ZEISS, an international leader in optics and optoelectronics, is announcing the launch of ZEISS Myopia Management Lens Solutions to manage progressive myopia in children, available to Canadian customers effective October 1.

Modern lifestyles and work have increased the frequency of near-sightedness around the world. In 2050, approximately one half of the world’s population, i.e. five billion people, could be near-sighted (2). Urbanization and digitalization are the primary causes. Consequently, children are not exposed to enough natural light necessary for healthy eye development – especially in late childhood and adolescence. Without the stimulus provided by natural light – which probably boosts the production of dopamine on the retina – the human eye tends to become myopic. This problem is further exacerbated by school attendance and the extensive use of digital devices, which forces the eye to adapt to near-vision work, i.e. to accommodate a short distance over a long time period. Insufficient exposure to daylight increases the likelihood of developing myopia by a factor of 5, while additional near-vision work can make it almost 16 times more likely.

With ZEISS Myopia Management Lens Solutions, a new product portfolio will be available to help actively manage myopia progression, and even prevent its negative effects in children between the ages of 6 and 12, i.e. the critical age for eye development.  The portfolio includes two design approaches, available in a broad range of lens materials and with ZEISS PhotoFusion:

ZEISS MyoVision Pro is the next evolution of ZEISS MyoVision which was launched in 2012.  Effective October 1, it will replace ZEISS MyoVision.

“Both designs – for changing how the image is formed on the peripheral retina and supporting near accommodation – have been scientifically proven to be effective,” says Prof. Dr. Siegfried Wahl, Head of the ZEISS Vision Science Lab at the University of Tübingen. “We offer both solutions so that eye care professionals as well as young, nearsighted eyeglass wearers and their parents can select lenses that reflect their personal needs and preference. Going outside every day and taking a break from our phones to look into the distance for good eye development is an absolute must for everyone – including children, no matter where they live.”

Please visit www.zeiss.ca/myopiamanagement for more information.

Click HERE for the full press release.