Nisha Birkata1, B. Optom Student,
Subina Timila2, B. Optom Student
1,2Pokhara University, Pokhara, Nepal
“When Maya was ten, she needed glasses just to see the blackboard. Now, studies predict that by 2050, almost half the world may face similar challenges, with many at risk of serious complications.”
Myopia is no longer just a vision inconvenience; it is becoming a global health challenge. The numbers are startling: by 2050, 4.8 billion people are projected to have myopia, with 938 million developing high myopia. High myopia dramatically increases the risk of sight-threatening diseases like Myopic Macular Degeneration, Retinal Detachment, Posterior Staphyloma, Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, etc., showing the critical importance of slowing or halting myopia progression. (1)
Why Is Myopia Rising?
Modern lifestyle changes, including increased screen time, reduced outdoor play, and intensive near work, have fueled this epidemic. It is not just a matter of needing glasses earlier; unchecked myopia can mean a lifetime of higher disease risk.
Early and effective management can slow the progression of myopia, reducing the risk of these complications.
Why Do We Need Better Solutions?
Traditional options, i.e., under correcting single vision lenses, bifocal glasses, and progressive lenses, have shown limited success in slowing progression. That is why researchers have turned to more advanced spectacle designs that directly target the growth signals of the eye.
How Do Next-Gen Lenses Work?
These new lenses employ principles like peripheral hyperopic defocus (creating focus in front of the retina) or abnormal cone contrast signaling (sending “slow-down” growth cues to the eye).
| Lens | Technology | How It Works | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoya MiYOSMART | DIMS (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) | Central 9 mm zone corrects vision; honeycomb + 3.5 D segments create peripheral defocus. (2) | Decreased axial growth by 0.34 mm. (2) |
| Zeiss MyoCare | CARE (Cylindrical Annular Refractive Elements) | Concentric correction/defocus zones produce a blur “stop” signal. (3) | One-year control shown. (3) |
| Essilor Stellest | HALT (Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target) | Peripheral aspherical lenslets create myopic defocus volume; central clear zone provides vision correction. (4) | Decreased axial growth by 0.35 – 0.4 mm. (4) |
| SightGlass Vision | DOT (Diffusion Optics Technology) | Peripheral dot diffusers scatter light to reduce abnormal contrast signals. (5) | Effective in clinical trials. (5) |
Table 1: Comparison of Leading Spectacle Lens Technologies for Myopia Control
The table summarises the working principles, mechanisms, and clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of different next-generation spectacle lenses in slowing myopia progression.
Figure 1: Axial Growth Reduction for Different Next-Generation Spectacle Lenses
Stellest showed the highest reduction in axial length, i.e., 0.35 mm per year, followed by MiYOSMART with axial length reduction of 0.34mm per year
Why Are These Lenses the Game-Changers?
Past drug-based approaches, like Atropine, can work but often cause a rebound effect after stopping. In contrast, studies on DIMS and HALT lenses show sustained myopia control without rebound after discontinuation. (6,7)
For example, Stellest lenses slowed eye growth by an average of 0.35 mm (and up to 0.4 mm in full-time wearers). (4) DIMS lenses reduced axial growth by 0.34 mm. (8)
Conclusion
We may soon see AI-customised spectacle lenses tailored to each growth pattern of the eyes. Combination therapies integrating low-dose atropine and smart lens designs wider accessibility programs to bring these lenses to schools in developing countries.
Slowing myopia is more than preserving clear sight today; it is about protecting lifelong vision. With next-gen spectacle lenses, we finally have tools that work in harmony with the biology of the eyes to slow the growth of harmful conditions.
If you are a parent, clinician, or policymaker, the time to act is now. The earlier we start, the brighter and clearer the future will be.
References
- Lawrenson JG et al. Interventions for myopia control in children: A living systematic review and network meta-analysis. 2025.
- Lam CSY et al. DIMS spectacle lenses slow myopia progression: 2-year RCT. Br J Ophthalmol. 2020; 104(3): 363-8.
- Liu X et al. Cylindrical annular refractive element lenses: 1-year efficacy. Acta Ophthalmol. 2023; 101(6): 651-7.
- Bao J et al. Spectacle lenses with aspherical lenslets. Br J Ophthalmol. 2022; 106(8): 1171-6.
- Rappon J et al. Diffusion optics lenses: 12-month RCT (CYPRESS). Br J Ophthalmol. 2023; 107: 1709-15.
- Nucci P et al. Myopia control with DIMS vs atropine vs combined. PLoS ONE. 2023; 18(2).
- Zhang Z et al. Highly Aspherical Lenslets RCT in children. Am J Ophthalmol. 2025; 269: 60-8.
- Brennan NA et al. Efficacy in myopia control. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2021; 83.