Hoya calls for urgent action on myopia

Hoya Vision Care has called for the treatment of myopia to be made a global priority of governments and public health bodies.

The optical technology provider said urgent action is needed, highlighting the significant impact myopia can have on patients, communities, and healthcare systems.

Hoya shared: "As the prevalence of myopia is increasing, it is imperative for governments and public health bodies to prioritise its treatment as a public health concern to improve the quality of life for children living with this condition as well as to educate on preventive solutions.”

It is estimated that 5 billion people could be affected by myopia by 2050. However, Hoya pointed to a lack of awareness amongst patients and parents around myopia.

While the risk of complications rises with increasing degrees of myopia, the company emphasised that there is no safe level of myopia. 

Hoya shared: “Despite the risk of complications being modest at low levels of myopia, it is still a public health threat.”

Myopia treatment helps to correct a child’s vision and can slow myopia progression, preserving their future eye health, the company said.

Alexandre Montague, CEO of Hoya Vision Care, said: “Now is the time for our healthcare ecosystems to work together and act collectively upon awareness and education. Our children deserve better – the impact of myopia on our children’s lives should not be overlooked, with it affecting their education and quality of life.”

Hoya’s Miyosmart spectacle lens is based on Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) Technology.

A two-year randomised controlled clinical study found wearing Miyosmart spectacle lenses slowed myopia progression on average by 60% compared to standard single vision lenses, while a six-year follow-up clinical study revealed the effect was sustained over six years.

Montague suggested: “The success of Miyosmart is only the first step.”

“We’re calling for increased efforts to raise awareness, educate eye care professionals, educate parents through eye care professionals about the condition and the importance of diagnosing, monitoring, and seeking timely treatment for their children,” he added.