Early intervention key to managing myopia or nearsightedness in children
MANILA, Philippines — Myopia, better known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition wherein individuals can see objects clearly up close but may appear blurred further away.
Genetics, prolonged near-work activities and lack of outdoor time are some of the known risk factors that may lead to a greater likelihood of myopia in children. Currently, global data have shown that over 22.9% of the world population have myopia with 2.7% having high myopia. It is predicted to increase to 49.8% and 9.8% of which is high myopia by 2050.
In the Philippines, where approximately 30% of the population are children between the ages of six to 18 years old, an estimated eight million Filipino children may suffer from myopia.
A Philippine Eye Research Institute study has shown that Filipino children are most likely to be affected by visual impairment, which doubles when they reach adolescence. As students massively transitioned to the digital platform brought about by the pandemic, research has shown that children who use screens for greater than three hours per day are almost four times more likely to be myopic compared to those spending one hour on screens per day.
In an effort to battle progressive visual impairments that significantly impact children’s quality of life, academic achievements and overall long-term eye health, Hoya Vision Care said it has eye care solutions through its advanced and innovative product lines.
The global optical and healthcare solutions company hosted a roundtable discussion in Makati City last June 7 to share its knowledge and expertise in myopia control amongst children through the help of its six-year clinical study that was recently presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2022 conference in Denver, Colorado in the United States.
While myopia is irreversible and incurable, which can lead to an increased risk of having vision-threatening conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and retinal detachment if it is left unaddressed, the condition can be managed through early intervention and regular consultations with eye care practitioners who are equipped to provide professional advice in finding the right myopia management options.
Moreover, the Philippine government constantly pushes for regular and comprehensive eye screening among kindergarten students through the National Vision Screening Program (NVSP), which was mandated in 2019.
During the discussion, Oxana Pastushenko talked about the brand's MiYOSMART, which are spectacle lenses that correct the visual defect using the revolutionary D.I.M.S. (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) technology, proven to slow down myopia progression by 60%.
“While we cannot control factors that may lead to rapid myopia progression in children, we are keen to ensure that innovative, non-invasive myopia management options are accessible to parents as MiYOSMART becomes available in the Philippines. Children’s vision is worth protecting," said Pastushenko.
The spectacle lenses will be launched alongside an awareness campaign aimed at educating parents on the risks of myopia towards long-term eye health and the impact of poor eyesight on academic performance.
"It is important for parents to monitor their children’s eyesight by having regular eye checks so as not to deprive children from the right to see clearly. Let us act now, and give them more opportunity tomorrow,” said Hoya Vision Care Chief Executive Officer Alexandre Montague.
Hoya has been a manufacturer of eyeglass lenses for over 60 years. In 2018, the company rolled out its evidence-based myopia management solution with its research partner, the Centre for Myopia Research, at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
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