MiYOSMART glasses are extensively studied and proven to halt or reduce myopia progression effectively. Parents from the USA can acquire them from Canada.
Did you know there are treatment options available to help prevent myopia progression? Did you know that there are special glasses designed to control myopia?
Myopia has reached alarming levels globally, with approximately 2.6 billion people living with this condition in 2020. In North America alone, around 158 million individuals are affected, accounting for a prevalence rate of 42.1%. Unfortunately, these numbers are expected to rise significantly in the coming years. By 2050, researchers projected that myopia would impact a staggering 4.7 billion people worldwide, approximately half of the global population. As a result, addressing the progression of myopia has become an urgent global health priority.1
Multiple treatment options have emerged in the battle against myopia’s rapid rise, including pharmaceutical eye drops, orthokeratology, myopia-control contact lenses, and myopia-control glasses. Interestingly, a recent online survey by ClearSight Health, a myopia patient support group, showed a clear preference among parents: 50% preferred myopia control glasses for their children because of their simplicity of use, comfort, and proven safety profile.*
In particular, MiYOSMART glasses, one of the most extensively researched myopia control spectacle lenses, illustrate why myopia control glasses are earning parents’ hearts.
Understanding the innovative MiYOSMART glasses
The development of effective myopia control glasses has been a challenging journey. Since the 1980s, researchers explored numerous designs. However, many of these had a limited impact or were only effective in specific groups of children, prompting further research and development for newer designs.2
An innovative new lens technology entered the scene for clinical development in 2014 – Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS).3 After six years, DIMS was first commercialized in 2018 and then in Canada in 2020 under the brand name MiYOSMART.4,5
How do MiYOSMART lenses work?
To understand how they work, we first need to grasp the concept of 'peripheral myopic defocus.' Researchers found in animal studies that by shifting the focus of an object's image to the peripheral region of the retina, the area outside the direct line of sight, they could manipulate eye growth and refractive state.6,7,8 In other words, if the image of an object is focused in front of the peripheral region, it may help halt eye growth. This intriguing phenomenon is known as peripheral myopic defocus, PMD.9
MiYOSMART lenses employ the principle but with enhancement. The DIMS technology in these lenses introduces a dual-focus design. Picture a central clear zone surrounded by tiny, circular lenslets, each about 1 mm in diameter and with an ADD power of +3.50 D. These lenslets are purposefully positioned in the mid-periphery of the lens called the treatment zone.10
What makes this design special is that it creates numerous distinct images through the lenslets; these images focus in front of the peripheral region of the retina, creating peripheral myopic defocus.10 This novel approach helps curb or stop the axial lengthening of the eye, a principal factor in myopia progression.
The innovation was recognized internationally. MiYOSMART lenses were awarded the Gold Prize, Grand Award, and Special Gold Award at the 2018 International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva, Switzerland. Furthermore, in 2020, it won the Silmo d’Or Award in the Vision category at the Silmo Paris Optical Fair.11
Behind the lenses: extensive research on MiYOSMART's effectiveness
MiYOSMART has the most extensive studies among myopia spectacle lenses, affirming its efficacy and safety. Let’s have a look at the results and the insights that they provide.Â
How well do MiYOSMART glasses work?3
The pivotal study that played a significant role in the approval of the MiYOSMART lens in many countries is the 2-year study that involved 183 Chinese children aged between 8 and 13. These children were instructed to wear the MiYOSMART glasses full-time, except for sleeping or showering. The results of its efficacy showed that myopia progression in spherical equivalent refraction (SER) slowed down by 59% and axial length (AL) by 60% compared to wearing single-vision spectacle lenses. Excitingly, 1 in 5 children wearing MiYOSMART glasses in the study showed no myopia progression.
Do MiYOSMART lenses have side effects?
While some children in the study initially experienced a slight blurriness when looking through the glasses’ treatment zone, they fully adapted to the lenses within a few days. And importantly, there were no treatment-related adverse events.
This may explain the high compliance and low dropout rate observed, meaning children were able to wear and keep their glasses on as instructed.
MiYOSMART glasses work across racial groups and in combination with atropine12
Next, let's discuss the MiYOSMART lens in European children. In an observational study involving 146 European children between the ages of 6 and 18, the MiYOSMART lens showed similar effects as its pivotal study in slowing myopia progression both in SER and AL by 57%.
What is particularly astonishing from the study is the valuable insight regarding combination therapy. When MiYOSMART lens was combined with 0.01% atropine, the effectiveness in reducing SER and AL was an impressive 70% and 77%, respectively. No adverse events were reported during the study.
How well do MiYOSMART glasses work long-term?13
The MiYOSMART lens’ 6-year study is even more exciting – confirming its long-term durability, effectiveness, and safety. Published in the Nature journal in April 2023, this study is an extension of the pivotal 2-year study discussed earlier. The children in the study who continued with MiYOSMART glasses showed only -0.92 D myopia progression in SER and 0.60 mm axial elongation over the six years. That's an averaged yearly progression of just -0.15 D and 0.10 mm/year, respectively!Â
Incredibly, 22% of these children displayed no myopia progression in SER by the end of the 6-year study, showcasing the sustained long-term effectiveness. The study also found no evidence of a rebound effect in children who discontinued the treatment.
Moreover, MiYOSMART glasses maintained their proven safety profile throughout the 6-year study period, providing further reassurance to parents and practitioners alike.
As an additional note, the study wasn’t without its limitations. For instance, during the last 2.5 years of the study, the children could choose the glasses they preferred, leading to a non-randomized study with potential selection bias. Additionally, due to the COVID pandemic, the rate of lost follow-ups was relatively high over the study period.
What are the advantages of myopia control glasses?
Why are myopia control glasses, such as MiYOSMART, the preferred choice for 50% of parents with children experiencing myopia?* Let’s dig into the reasons.
1. The convenience of myopia control glassesÂ
One of the key reasons parents prefer myopia control glasses is their unmatched convenience. Unlike other treatment options, glasses are easy to wear and remove, making them suitable for even younger children. With no need for parental assistance in cleaning or insertion, these glasses offer a hassle-free experience for parents and children.
2. Side effects and risks of atropine and contact lensesÂ
Many parents express concerns about the potential risks linked to contact lenses, such as dry eyes, eye inflammation, and infections. Their primary worry revolves around rare but severe eye infections that could significantly impact vision and long-term eye health.
As for atropine, another commonly used treatment option, it can be associated with certain drug-related side effects even at low concentrations. These include sensitivity to bright light, dry eyes, blurred vision at close range, and dilated pupils.
3. MiYOSMART lenses’ price (Canada)
Cost-effectiveness is another factor that makes MiYOSMART lenses attractive since they may be the most affordable option in the long run. Although currently unavailable in the USA, they can be purchased from Canada.
MiYOSMART lenses’ price in Canada – not including the frames – is about US$515 (US$ 590 for the Chameleon photochromic lenses.)** Based on the 6-year long-term study results, many children don’t need to replace their glasses every year; the SER of children in the study using MiYOSMART shifted by an average of – 0.92 D over six years.3 On the other hand, if a child’s SER shifts more than -0.50D in either one of the eyes in a year, a replacement warranty may be available with an administrative fee.*** Make sure to reach out and confirm the latest details, as prices and offerings may be subject to change.Â
In contrast, as reported by our members living in the USA, atropine from compound pharmacies may cost between US$500 to US$1,200 annually, MiSight is around US$1,200 per year, and Ortho-K hard contact lens is more than US$1,800 per pair.*
It’s important to note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on many factors, such as location, services, customs duties, and shipping.Â
MiYOSMART alternative: the Stellest lens
While MiYOSMART lenses offer numerous advantages, MiYOSMART’s spherical equivalent correction power limit was up to -7.50 D, with a maximum cylindrical correction of -4.00 D at the time of this article. (Since 2024 May, the power limit of MiYOSMART has increased to -10.00 D)
For children needing correction power of up to -10.00 D, Both MiYOSMART and the Stellest lens from Essilor can be effective options. In other words, both options have spherical equivalent correction power limit of up to -10.00 D and a maximum of -4.00 D cylindrical power.
How to get myopia control glasses if you live in the USA?
If you’re living in the USA and interested in getting MiYOSMART glasses, there are two ways: online ordering or visiting a Canadian clinic.
A. How to order MiYOSMART glasses online from Canada?
Ordering MiYOSMART glasses online is convenient. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Consult your eye doctor: Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to discuss and obtain your child's eyeglass prescription.
- Reach out: Get in touch with a HOYA authorized Canadian clinic for MiYOSMART that offers online ordering services. They will provide detailed instructions, frame specifications, pricing, and warranty details.
- Visit your local optical shop: Find suitable frames matching the specifications. The optician at your local optical shop can assist you in selecting an appropriate pair of frames, taking measurements, such as pupillary distance, and making necessary markings.
- Ship the frames: Once you have selected the pair of frames, ship them to the Canadian clinic.
- Receive your customized myopia control glasses: The clinic will cut the MiYOSMART lenses according to your child's prescription and edge them into the frames you provided. Once ready, they will ship the myopia control glasses back to you in the US according to the shipping terms agreed.
(Click here to learn some parents’ firsthand experiences in the Facebook link)
B. Considering getting MiYOSMART glasses by visiting a Canadian clinic in person?Â
The alternative option is to obtain MiYOSMART glasses directly from a Canadian clinic for a one-day personalized fitting experience. Here's what you need to do:
- Pre-visit arrangements: Prior to your trip, contact a Canadian clinic offering MiYOSMART lenses and schedule an appointment.
- Clinic visit: When you arrive, they will perform the necessary examinations or measurements, especially if you don't have an eyeglasses prescription with you. Afterward, you can browse and select frames that best suit your child's style and comfort.
- Final delivery: Typically, the glasses would be ready within 1-2 weeks. The clinic could ship them to your desired address in the USA based on the shipping terms agreed upon during your visit.
While ordering MiYOSMART glasses seems easy and convenient, it's crucial to consult your eye doctor beforehand and ensure that MiYOSMART glasses are appropriate for your child.
(Learn how to care for MiYOSMART glasses)
Conclusion
In the fight against the growing prevalence of myopia, MiYOSMART glasses have emerged as a proven and extensively studied treatment option. These glasses have demonstrated their ability to effectively slow down or halt myopia progression. As parents, we can unlock this power to protect our children's eye health. By staying informed and embracing the latest advancements in myopia control technology, we can ensure the long-term eye health of our children.
 * Data on file ClearSight Health.
** Based on the price of $680 and $780 CND for MiYOSMART’s clear and photochromic lenses; and CDN to USD exchange rates of $1.32 CDN to $1.00 USD as of Jan 2, 2024.
*** $100 CND in administrative fee as of Jan 2024, not including customs duties or shipping fee. The replacement warranty remains available for up to one year after the initial purchase.
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Special appreciation: This article is made possible with support from the following Canadian Authorized dealer(s) of HOYA's MiYOSMART lenses
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