New digitally surfaced lens clinically proven to slow myopia progression
During Myopia Awareness Week last month, renowned Independent British lens manufacturer, Caledonian Optical announced the launch of a new "affordable and effective" myopia management solution for children, Imperium myopia management lenses. At Myopia Focus, we welcome new advancements and treatments, so we wanted to take a closer look at the science behind the lenses and our view on whether they are a good option for your child.
The science:
Whilst visually these lenses closely resemble regular single-vision lenses; this innovative lens incorporates two specific areas with positive power strategically placed to create myopic defocus in the lateral regions. These zones align with the regions of the retina where retinal cells are more concentrated, effectively reducing the stimuli that encourage eye elongation. Additionally, when children engage in upward gaze directions, they can derive advantages from the central zone that is vertically oriented and provides the prescribed power.
The digitally surfaced lens has also been clinically proven to slow the progression of myopia. A clinical trial spanning five years was conducted on 94 Caucasian children with progressive myopia, which revealed that Imperium effectively reduced the rate of progression by 4.5 times compared to the pre-trial rate. Additionally, when compared to the control group, Imperium demonstrated a reduction in the rate of progression by 1.6 times (equivalent to 60%).
Imperium leverages state-of-the-art digital technology to back up findings suggesting that visual signals in the horizontal meridian of the retina may have a significant impact. In addition, Imperium provides a host of advantages, including an expanded selection of frames, a wide range of materials with no index limitations, an extended prescription range, and comprehensive options for sun protection.
As an eye care professional, it is encouraging and motivating to see industry manufacturers investing in cutting-edge technology and evidence-based myopia management solutions. We are seeing more and more companies in the space becoming aware of the demand for multifaceted approaches to slowing down myopia progression and mitigating associated risks. I would also add though that the cohort used in the trial was small and that studies associated with other products contain much larger cohorts.
If you're a parent whose child has been diagnosed with myopia or if they are struggling with their distance vision, we hope you found MyopiaFocus helpful. Please join our community or sign our petition to get the government and NHS to recognise myopia as an ocular disease/severe ocular condition and fund myopia management for children.
*The above blog post is an opinion post and should be viewed as such. It is important for parents to take a holistic approach when it comes to managing their child's myopia and consider various factors, including professional advice, scientific research, and individual circumstances. Every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with healthcare professionals or eye care specialists for personalised guidance and recommendations regarding the management of myopia in children.