Myopia, commonly referred to as near-sightedness, is increasing globally. The number of people with myopia is likely to rise in the next 30 years, partially due to children engaging in more near-work activities and spending less time outdoors. Some studies show that spending time outdoors is good for children’s eyes, as it may slow myopia progression. Due to this, an overwhelming majority of Eye Care Professionals polled recommend outdoor time to help manage myopia. However, it is equally as important for children to use effective and reliable sun spectacle lenses, as children are more likely to get eye damage from intense sun rays than adults.
The self-tinting (photochromic) spectacles lenses, MiYOSMART Chameleon, and polarized spectacle lenses, MiYOSMART Sunbird, were developed to correct and slow down myopia progression in children while providing protection from intense sunlight at the same time. The new sun spectacle lenses adapt the same D.I.M.S. (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segment) Technology used in the award-winning MiYOSMART clear spectacle lenses. D.I.M.S. Technology features a central optical zone to correct the myopic refractive error and a treatment zone consisting of honeycomb-shaped defocus segments that have been shown to slow myopia progression by 60% in children aged 8 to 13. Thus, MiYOSMART sun spectacle lenses can give children the freedom to comfortably take part in the activities they enjoy – indoors and outdoors – without compromising their eyesight.
Due to the HOYA self-tinting (photochromic) technology, MiYOSMART Chameleon is a 2-in-1 solution for myopia management and protected outdoor activity. It rapidly darkens in sunlight and fades back to clear indoors in seconds. Meanwhile, MiYOSMART Sunbird is the ideal addition to MiYOSMART clear spectacle lenses, for extra protection from intense sunlight and glare. It also offers vibrant colors and rich contrast in bright light, allowing children to fully experience the beauty of the outdoors.
Alongside the launch of the MiYOSMART sun spectacle range, HOYA Vision Care will launch “Protect How They See The World”, a dedicated global campaign to raise awareness of the importance of outdoor time and sun protection in children.
“The way that children see the world is something precious and worth protecting. By slowing myopia progression today, we promote better eye health in the future”, said Frederiek Ysebaert, Managing Director of the Pediatric Care Business Unit at HOYA Vision Care “I’m pleased that HOYA came out with a sun range of MiYOSMART spectacle lenses, as it will allow for continued myopia treatment both indoors and outdoors, and enable light-sensitive patients to feel more comfortable and enjoy their time in the sun.”
From the launch in 2018 until the end of 2022, over four million MiYOSMART spectacle lenses were purchased by parents across the world. With the launch of MiYOSMART Chameleon and MiYOSMART Sunbird, HOYA Vision Care will continue to help fight and control the growing problem of myopia in children around the world.
