Understanding Myopia Management in Children: Introducing the New HOYA MiYOSMART iQ

As children grow, their vision changes rapidly. For a growing number of children, short-sightedness (myopia) is becoming more than just a minor inconvenience requiring stronger glasses each year; it is a progressive eye condition that can impact long-term visual health.

At Mackey Opticians, we are committed to offering the latest advancements in paediatric eye care. We are pleased to share the next evolution in non-invasive myopia control for children: HOYA MiYOSMART iQ.

What is Myopia and Why Does Early Management Matter?

Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows slightly too long from front to back, causing distant objects to appear blurry. Beyond the need for prescription glasses, rapidly progressing myopia increases the overall length of the eye (axial length). Managing myopia progression during childhood helps preserve visual clarity and supports long-term eye health as children grow.

Traditionally, standard single-vision lenses corrected distance vision without addressing the underlying optical signals that stimulate eye growth. Today, dedicated myopia management spectacle lenses correct a child's sight while actively signaling the eye to slow its axial growth.

The Evolution: From Original MiYOSMART to MiYOSMART iQ

HOYA’s original MiYOSMART lens introduced D.I.M.S. (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) Technology. By incorporating a central clear zone for sharp distance vision alongside a outer ring of microscopic defocus segments, original MiYOSMART lenses provide clear vision while creating a protective signal that helps slow down short-sightedness progression.

Building on this clinical foundation, HOYA has introduced MiYOSMART iQ, featuring Triple Enhanced Design (DIMS TED):

1. Activated: Defocus segments are positioned closer to the center of the lens to continuously stimulate the near-peripheral retina—the area identified as key to regulating eye growth mechanisms.

2. Powerful: Designed with a higher defocus power to deliver a stronger management signal to the eye.

3. Extended: Features an expanded 41mm treatment zone to ensure coverage across a wider range of children’s frame styles and sizes.

Clinical evaluations show exceptional results with MiYOSMART iQ: 9 out of 10 children showed no clinically relevant myopia progression during their first 12 months of wear.

Additional Lens Innovations: Optical Performance & Durability

Alongside its myopia control performance, MiYOSMART iQ incorporates enhancements for everyday wear:

• Optimized Aspherical Backside Design: Engineered using FreeForm technology to enhance visual clarity and reduce distortion across the entire lens surface.

• Flatter, Thinner Profile: Reduced edge thickness (up to 10% thinner than standard spherical lenses) offers a lightweight, aesthetically pleasing fit across a wider choice of kids' frames.

• S.P.A.R.K. Protective Coating: Tailored specifically for active children, the S.P.A.R.K. coating provides 50% greater scratch resistance than previous generations, repellent properties for dust and water, 100% UV protection, and long-lasting ease of cleaning.

The Complete HOYA MiYOSMART Range at Mackey Opticians

Every child’s lifestyle and visual needs are unique. At Mackey Opticians, our complete MiYOSMART offering includes options for both indoor and outdoor activities:

NEW MiYOSMART iQ (£395, including a free kids frame): Premium myopia management featuring Triple Enhanced Design for children who require stronger intervention, complete with the S.P.A.R.K. coating.

Original MiYOSMART Clear (£295, including a kids frame): The award-winning everyday clear lens utilizing established D.I.M.S. technology to curb short-sightedness progression.

MiYOSMART Sun Options (£295, including a kids frame): Dedicated sun-protection lenses designed to protect active young eyes from intense sunlight while maintaining continuous myopia management during outdoor play. (Light-adaptive Chameleon options are also available).

Book a Myopia Management Consultation

If you have noticed your child holding books closer, squinting at the whiteboard, or if you have a family history of short-sightedness, early assessment is key.

Our optometrists across all Mackey Opticians practices are fully trained in paediatric myopia care and can guide you on the best solution for your child's eyes.

Contact your nearest Mackey Opticians practice today to schedule an appointment or book online HERE.