Myovision Lenses

Myopia Control for Kids

The Myovision Lens by Zeiss

Myopia, also called nearsightedness, is common type of refractive error that is estimated to affect 1 in 3 individuals. Studies show that by the year 2050, 1 in 2 individuals may eventually be nearsighted. Typically myopia is first diagnosed between the ages of 4 and 6; after that, an annual progression of 0.60D to 1.00D in young children is quite common.

Zeiss offers a lens technology called Myovision. It was the first single-vision lens design of its kind. This lens uses Peripheral Vision Management technology which brings the peripheral image forward, onto or even in front of the retina while independently positioning the cental image on the retina to give clear vision. By moving the peripheral image forward, this removes the stimulus to myopia progression. I.e. Reduces the growth signal to the eye to control eye elongation.

Myopia incidence has doubled in about 30 years and is a major problem in Asia, where it affects more than one billion people. A study done in Sun Yat Sen University in China from Oct 2007 to Jan 2009 with 210 myopic Chinese children aged 6 to 12 years old resulted in reducing myopia progression by an average of 30% when at least one parent was also myopic.

People who spend more time outdoors in the sunshine also have a lower incidence of myopia. Studies in Asia show that the rate of myopia in the summer is half of that in the winter months. Also in Sydney Australia, a study found that the risk of myopia could be reduced substantially when children spent more time outdoors.

This may be related to increased secretion of dopamine (a neurotransmitter found in the retina) when extended time is spent outdoors, the lengthening of the eye could be slowed.

This is an ongoing area of intensive research and we encourage you to discuss which options may be best for your child with our optometrists at their eye exam.