Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, has become a global issue, affecting millions of children worldwide. If left unmanaged, myopia can worsen over time, leading to more severe vision problems in adulthood, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy. To help slow down this progression, various treatments, including myopia control lenses, have emerged as effective solutions. This guide will provide you with detailed information about myopia control lenses, including how they work, the best brands available, and how to choose the right option for your child.
What Is Myopia and Why Does It Progress?
Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This leads to blurred vision, particularly for distant objects. As the eye continues to elongate, myopia progresses, increasing the risk of eye conditions such as:
- Retinal detachment – A serious condition where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye.
- Glaucoma – Increased pressure in the eye that can damage the optic nerve.
- Myopic maculopathy – A degenerative condition affecting the central part of the retina.
Because myopia tends to progress during childhood, starting treatment early is crucial to minimize long-term risks. One of the most effective approaches to managing myopia in children is the use of myopia control lenses.
What Are Myopia Control Lenses?
Myopia control lenses are specially designed eyeglass lenses that aim not only to correct vision but also to slow down the progression of myopia. These lenses are built with advanced technology that reduces the eye’s tendency to elongate, which is the primary cause of worsening myopia.
How Do Myopia Control Lenses Work?
Myopia control lenses use various technologies to manipulate how light enters the eye, creating a defocus effect that reduces the signals responsible for myopia progression. Here are the most commonly used technologies:
- DIMS (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) – These lenses contain tiny segments that create multiple focus points on the retina, reducing eye strain and slowing myopia progression.
- H.A.L.T. (Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target) – These lenses have a special aspherical design that helps to reduce the stimuli that cause myopia progression by creating a myopic defocus across the peripheral retina.
- MyCon Lenses by Rodenstock – These lenses, made by the German brand Rodenstock, are gaining attention for their ability to control myopia while maintaining clear central vision. The MyCon lenses combine precise light control with a comfortable fit, designed specifically for children’s eyes.
Regular Lenses vs. Myopia Control Lenses: What’s the Difference?
Feature | Regular Lenses | Myopia Control Lenses |
---|---|---|
Primary Function | Corrects vision by focusing light on the retina for clear distance vision. | Corrects vision while also helping to slow down myopia progression. |
Myopia Progression | Does not slow or prevent myopia progression; prescription may continue to worsen over time. | Scientifically designed to reduce the rate of myopia progression, often by up to 50%. |
Lens Technology | Standard single vision or bifocal lenses. | Advanced designs like DIMS, H.A.L.T., and Mycon lens technologies. |
Suitable Age | Suitable for people of all ages with refractive errors. | Best suited for children and adolescents (typically ages 6-16) to manage myopia early. |
Impact on Long-Term Eye Health | Only corrects vision; does not address the risks of high myopia. | Helps reduce the risk of developing serious eye conditions like retinal detachment or glaucoma due to high myopia. |
Comfort and Fit | Standard fit for general vision correction. | Customized fit to ensure the lenses provide both clear vision and myopia control benefits. |
Brands Available | Standard vision brands. | Specialized brands like Essilor Stellest, Hoya MiYOSMART, and Rodenstock Mycon. |
Which Brands Offer Myopia Control Lenses?
Several leading optical companies offer myopia control lenses, each using different technologies to help manage myopia. Here are the top brands:
- Essilor (French) – Offers Stellest lenses, which use H.A.L.T. technology. Clinical studies show that Essilor Stellest lenses slow down myopia progression by about 67% over two years.
- Hoya (Japanese) – Known for MiYOSMART lenses, which use DIMS technology. These lenses have shown a 60% reduction in myopia progression in clinical trials.
- Carl Zeiss (German) – Offers myopia control lenses with individualized treatment plans based on prescription strength. Their lenses use peripheral defocus to manage myopia and are known for precision.
- Rodenstock (German) – Known for their MyCon lenses, which offer excellent myopia control combined with the latest in lens technology.
- CooperVision (British) – Although primarily known for their contact lenses, CooperVision is also exploring options in myopia control lenses, though availability may be limited in some regions.
How Effective Are Myopia Control Lenses?
Studies have shown that myopia control lenses can slow the progression of myopia by approximately 50% or more, depending on the lens technology used and the individual’s response to treatment. For instance:
- Essilor Stellest lenses: 67% reduction in myopia progression in clinical studies.
- Hoya MiYOSMART lenses: Around 60% reduction in myopia progression.
- Carl Zeiss lenses: Reduction in myopia progression varies based on individualized treatment, but efficacy is generally in line with other brands.
- Rodenstock MyCon lenses: Newer studies indicate strong results, though long-term data is still being collected.
How Do I Choose the Right Myopia Control Lenses for My Child?
Selecting the right myopia control lenses for your child depends on various factors, including your child’s age, prescription, and specific vision needs. Here are some key considerations:
- Consult an eye care professional: A pediatric ophthalmologist or optometrist can assess your child’s myopia and recommend the best type of lenses based on clinical findings.
- Lens technology: Consider the technology used in the lenses—DIMS, H.A.L.T., or MyCon lenses—all offer proven efficacy in slowing myopia progression.
- Long-term benefits: Some brands offer guarantees or replacement policies. For example, Hoya MiYOSMART lenses come with a 6-month guarantee, while Carl Zeiss offers a 12-month guarantee for patients enrolled in a myopia management program.
Cost of Myopia Control Lenses
Cost of Myopia Control Lenses
The cost of myopia control lenses varies depending on the brand and the level of correction required. Prices typically range from 2,000,000 VND to 10,000,000 VND per pair. Here’s a breakdown:
- Essilor Stellest lenses: Around 6,000,000 VND to 10,000,000 VND per pair.
- Hoya MiYOSMART lenses: Priced between 7,000,000 VND to 9,000,000 VND, with a 6-month guarantee.
- Carl Zeiss lenses: Prices range from 2,000,000 VND to 8,000,000 VND, depending on the prescription.
- Rodenstock MyCon lenses: Pricing may vary, but generally ranges from 5,000,000 VND to 9,000,000 VND.
Why Is Myopia Control Important?
Aside from the potential for long-term eye health risks, myopia can also affect your child’s daily life. It may limit their performance in sports, hinder academic achievements, and impact self-confidence. By addressing myopia early with control lenses, you are taking proactive steps to safeguard your child’s vision and overall well-being.
Myopia control lenses offer an effective, non-invasive solution to slow down myopia progression in children. With advanced technology like DIMS, H.A.L.T., and Rodenstock’s MyCon lenses, parents have several proven options to choose from. Whether you’re considering Essilor, Hoya, Carl Zeiss, or Rodenstock, the most important thing is to act early and consult with an eye care specialist to determine the best course of action for your child.
If you want to explore myopia control options for your child, contact your local eye clinic or optical store to schedule an eye exam and discuss the most suitable treatment options.