Promising Results in Myopia Control: Insights from the OPHTAMYOP Study
Recent findings from the interim analysis of the Observational French Study, OPHTAMYOP, have shed light on an innovative approach to managing myopia in children. The study, which focuses on the effectiveness of Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) Spectacle Lenses, has shown a significant trend in myopia control among children aged 4 to 16 years with spherical equivalent refraction (SER) ranging from -0.25D to -8.00D. This groundbreaking research was presented at the European Paediatric Ophthalmological Society (EPOS) Congress held in Paris from September 12-14, 2023.
Understanding the OPHTAMYOP Study
The OPHTAMYOP study is a multicentre, retrospective/prospective observational study that aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of DIMS Spectacle Lenses in a French population of children with progressive myopia. The study commenced in September 2020 and has been following participants through various follow-up consultations at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.
Progressive myopia was defined in the study as an increase in refraction of -0.50D over one year or -0.25D over six months, alongside an axial length increase of 0.2 mm over one year. This comprehensive approach allows researchers to gather robust data on the progression of myopia in children and the potential benefits of DIMS technology.
Key Findings and Implications
Professor Dominique Bremond-Gignac, the Principal Investigator of the OPHTAMYOP study, highlighted the promising results of the analysis, stating that DIMS Spectacle Lenses appear to be a safe and effective method for managing myopia in the study population. Although the patient cohort was limited, the observed trend of myopia control is encouraging and aligns with findings from previous studies conducted in Hong Kong and the UK.
The results indicate that DIMS technology could play a crucial role in addressing the rising prevalence of myopia among children, which has become a significant public health concern globally. As myopia rates continue to climb, effective management strategies are essential to preserve children’s vision and overall eye health.
The Science Behind DIMS Technology
The underlying principle of DIMS technology is rooted in the defocus theory, which explains how traditional single-vision lenses can inadvertently contribute to myopia progression. DIMS Spectacle Lenses, such as those used in the MiYOSMART product line, are designed to create a defocused image on the retina, which can help slow down the elongation of the eyeball—a primary factor in myopia development.
This innovative approach has garnered attention in the field of myopia management, as it offers a potential solution to counteract the increasing rates of myopia in children. The interim results from the OPHTAMYOP study add to the growing body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of DIMS technology.
A Global Perspective on Myopia Management
Jean Michel Lambert, Managing Director of HOYA Vision Care France, expressed enthusiasm for the interim results of the OPHTAMYOP study, emphasizing the importance of continuing research in this area. With over eight million MiYOSMART spectacle lenses sold worldwide since their launch in 2018, HOYA Vision Care is committed to advancing knowledge on myopia management and sharing new evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of their products.
The increasing prevalence of myopia among children is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. As researchers and healthcare professionals work together to develop effective strategies for myopia control, studies like OPHTAMYOP play a vital role in shaping future interventions.
Conclusion
The interim analysis of the OPHTAMYOP study marks a significant milestone in the quest to manage myopia in children effectively. With promising results indicating a trend of myopia control through the use of DIMS Spectacle Lenses, there is hope for a brighter future for children at risk of progressive myopia. As the study continues, the ophthalmological community eagerly anticipates further findings that could revolutionize myopia management and safeguard the vision of future generations.