The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) worked with a start-up company to launch the Nano Multi-rings Defocus Incorporated myopia (short-sightedness) prevention lens, which can effectively delay the progression of myopia in children and adolescents. Each pair of lenses is expected to sell for about HK$3,000 to HK$4,000 (about $385 to $514).
The new lenses are aimed at those aged 6 to 18. They are suitable for children with myopia below 1000 degrees and astigmatism below 400 degrees. The new lenses can also reduce the chance of serious eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataract.
In 2014, the researchers studied 160 children aged 8 to 13, with myopia ranging from 100 to 500 degrees, wearing glasses with either the “nano multi-rings defocus” myopia prevention lenses or normal lenses. The results showed that the new lenses were effective in slowing down myopia progression by 60 percent.
The researchers applied the concept of “optical multi-rings myopia defocus,” previously used in soft contact lenses, to traditional lenses for glasses. The new lenses were made with “ultra-precision nano multi-rings machining technology” and corresponding processing techniques.
From September to October 2022, about 30 optometry centers and clinics took part in evaluating the new lenses. About 80 users responded that they felt comfortable wearing the new lenses and believed that they would be able to adapt to them within a few hours.
Prof. To Chi-ho, visiting chair professor of PolyU School of Optometry and co-founder of Vision Technology (VST), said that the myopia rate in Asia is more than 80 percent, and myopia and its related complication cannot be ignored. He hopes to develop lenses that can reverse myopia in the future to benefit the next generations.
