ZEISS MyoCare lenses: parents’ guide

• ZEISS MyoCare lenses are specially designed glasses lenses aimed to manage myopia progression in children, and are available in two variants: MyoCare and MyoCare S.
• The lens design features C.A.R.E. technology (Cylindrical Annular Refractive Elements) and ClearFocus design, providing an optimum balance between myopia control and clear vision.
• MyoCare lenses are easy to adapt to and look and feel as good as single vision glasses, making them comfortable for everyday wear.

ZEISS MyoCare lenses are specially designed glasses lenses to help manage the progression of myopia (near-sightedness) in children, developed in cooperation with Wenzhou Medical University, China. They are the latest generation of myopia management lenses from ZEISS, using a more advanced and effective approach than earlier options like MyoVision, MyoVision Pro, and MyoKids.

Featuring C.A.R.E. technology (Cylindrical Annular Refractive Elements) and ZEISS ClearFocus design, MyoCare lenses have been carefully developed to ensure good vision and effective myopia control.

ZEISS MyoCare lenses differ significantly from standard single vision glasses. Single vision lenses correct blurred vision well, although they do not play a role in slowing the progression of myopia.

The MyoCare design has two main components, a central zone and a surrounding treatment zone. Within this functional zone are the C.A.R.E. elements, arranged in a ring-shaped pattern on the lens surface. The spaces between the C.A.R.E. elements contain the child’s usual prescription, to maintain natural vision from the lens centre to the edge.

Myopia can be managed by slowing down the rate of eye growth in childhood. While the central clear zone provides optical vision correction, the functional zone provides myopia control. The special C.A.R.E. elements redirect light in a controlled way, sending a signal to the back of the eye to slow excessive eye growth while delivering comfortable and good vision.

ZEISS MyoCare lenses are available in two versions: MyoCare and MyoCare S. 

Both use the same technology, although they differ in how the C.A.R.E. technology is applied to the lens. MyoCare has a more pronounced design which may be more effective for younger children who tend to undergo faster myopia progression. MyoCare S has a slightly softer design profile that may support easier adaption for some children. Your child’s eye care professional will recommend the most suitable option.

For comfortable vision in all directions of viewing, the ZEISS ClearFocus design is applied to the back surface of the lens. In regular single vision lenses, looking away from the centre often results in reduced clarity. ClearFocus technology optimizes the back surface of the lens to maintain stable, clear vision when a child looks up, down, or sideways during activities such as reading, working at school, or playing outdoors.

MyoCare lenses include ZEISS DuraVision anti-reflective coating, and ZEISS UVProtect technology, which provides full UV protection up to 400 nm. These options help ensure that both the glasses and your child’s eyes are protected from the sun when playing outdoors.

If your child has myopia, they’ll require glasses or contact lenses to see clearly. 

Choosing between MyoCare glasses or specialized contact lenses (both of which can slow down myopia worsening in kids) typically depends on factors like your child’s lifestyle, hobbies, and your family preferences. Each approach has unique advantages, so some children even wear both on alternative days – not at the same time!

MyoCare glasses are simple, familiar, and convenient: put them on in the morning, wear them through daily activities, and take them off at bedtime. 

Younger children might find it easier to wear glasses compared to contact lenses, which require careful handling and good hygiene habits to reduce the risk of eye infection. On the other hand, older or more responsible kids may prefer contact lenses for sports, outdoor activities, or for improved appearance. 

The availability of treatments to slow progressive myopia in children also varies by country. Ultimately, picking the right option will come down to a discussion between you, your child, and their optometrist or eye doctor.

When it comes to ensuring treatment success with ZEISS MyoCare lenses, it is crucial to establish a strong and diverse base of research evidence. The effectiveness of ZEISS MyoCare lenses in slowing myopia is currently being evaluated across clinical trials in China and Europe.1,2

2-year results from a multi-centre trial in China showed that MyoCare and MyoCare S lenses:

• Slowed eye growth by about a third
• Reduced the worsening of myopia by over 0.40 D (around 2 steps)

1-year results from a trial in Europe (Spain) showed that MyoCare lenses:

• Slowed eye growth by around a half
• Reduced the worsening of myopia by about 0.20 D (around 1 step)
• Reduced the risk of fast myopia progression

It is well-known that children of East-Asian ethnicity are more likely to develop myopia and progress at a faster rate. Despite the apparent difference in results across the two trials – overall, ZEISS MyoCare lenses were effective in slowing myopia across both ethnicities.3

Yes – vision with ZEISS MyoCare lenses is as good as with regular single vision lenses, especially when looking through the central zone.2 ZEISS MyoCare lenses are designed to provide clear everyday vision that feels natural and comfortable for children. 

Children may take a short time to adjust to the lens design, although most adapt quickly within about 3 days.2 After 1 week of wearing MyoCare lenses, there is generally no difference from regular glasses for activities like seeing in the distance, walking, and going up and down stairs.4

At first, your child may notice that their vision feels slightly different when looking through the outer areas of the lenses or to the sides. These areas contain the C.A.R.E. technology that give the lenses their ability to help slow myopia progression.

Your child should wear their ZEISS MyoCare glasses throughout the day during all activities including school, homework, sport, and play – but not when sleeping or showering. Full time wear helps ensure the lenses provide both clear vision and their intended myopia control effect.

This is supported by the clinical trials where the average wearing time of MyoCare lenses was approximately 14 hours per day, every day. Children who wore the glasses for longer hours each day progressed at a slower rate, meaning they benefited from a greater myopia control effect.1

This rule is the same whether your child is wearing glasses or contact lenses for myopia. If the lenses are not being worn on some days, or being worn for a shorter period of time each day (e.g. just at school and not at home), then the level of effectiveness will likely be reduced.

ZEISS MyoCare lenses are backed by ZEISS innovation and more than a decade of experience in developing lenses aimed to manage myopia progression.

If you are interested in ZEISS MyoCare lenses, speak to your optometrist or eye doctor. They can determine whether these lenses are available in your country, determine your child’s suitability, and recommend whether MyoCare or MyoCare S is the better option.