Myopia: Evidence That Endures

Myopia has now been declared a major global health concern by the World Health Organization, which projects that 40% of the global population will be affected by 2030 (1, 2). It is children who face the brunt of this burden (3): as screen time surged and outdoor activity plummeted during the pandemic, it created the perfect storm for early-onset, rapidly progressing myopia (4, 5). In China, over half of children and adolescents are now myopic, with rates exceeding 80% among high-school graduates (6). In European countries, over a quarter of children aged 12–17 have myopia (7).

Myopia impacts a child’s learning, development, and psychological wellbeing, contributing to anxiety and diminished self-confidence (8). Critically, myopia may typically progress throughout childhood into high myopia, which carries serious long-term eye complications: glaucoma, retinal detachment, and potentially irreversible vision loss (9, 10).

Today, we have myopia control interventions capable of slowing myopia progression. MiYOSMART, based on Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) Technology, has been shown to slow down myopia progression by 59% and reduce axial elongation by 60% on average, sustained over time – and in some children, the technology has even been able to stop myopia progression completely (12–15).

But the critical question remains: does it work over the long term?

Our 8-year data supporting MiYOSMART* spectacle lenses addresses this evidence gap directly (11). This represents the longest-running clinical study on myopia control spectacle lenses to date (11–15), revealing sustained myopia control effects throughout childhood and adolescence – precisely when it matters most.

The children who wore MiYOSMART* spectacle lenses continuously for eight years achieved substantially better outcomes. These children experienced the change in spherical equivalent (SER) on average of just -0.44 ± 0.64D and axial elongation on average only 0.46 ± 0.64 mm, (11) compared to those who wore the MiYOSMART* spectacle lenses for shorter durations, showing myopia progression on average of -1.44 ± 1.31D and average axial elongation of 0.88 ± 0.56 mm. These findings underscore a crucial message: maximum benefit requires consistent, long-term wear throughout the crucial years when myopia progresses the most.

The 8-year follow-up clinical study demonstrates that children voluntarily continue to wear MiYOSMART* throughout adolescence. When young people choose to maintain treatment, it signals something important: the intervention works, and they recognize its value to their lives. Equally important is that no adverse events have been reported, and we didn't observe a rebound effect after the treatment was discontinued (15). This provides reassurance that the benefits achieved during active treatment are maintained.

Long-term data isn't merely academic – it's essential for informed clinical decision-making. In my view, this evidence fundamentally changes the conversation we can have with parents and families. The 8-year data demonstrates what clinicians and families need the most: confirmation that myopia control effects persist throughout childhood without diminishing efficacy or rebound upon discontinuation. Parents naturally ask: "Will this keep working?" and "What happens when my child stops wearing them?" Eight years of evidence allows us to answer with data, not speculation, demonstrating sustained benefit as their child develops (11).

This represents more than a milestone – it establishes a standard of care. As myopia management solutions proliferate, long-term evidence becomes the foundation for confident, responsible care. Children with myopia progression aren't short-term patients; they need solutions validated across the years when progression occurs.

Every child deserves access to evidence-based care that protects their vision. This innovation exists; the evidence is established. And now we must ensure it is used and reaches every child who needs it.

* MiYOSMART spectacle lenses have not been approved for use in the management of myopia in all countries, including the US, and are not currently available for sale in all countries, including the US.