A Novel Optical Method for Retarding Myopia Progression

Myopia (short-sightedness), a major cause of ocular morbidity and blindness, is reaching epidemic proportions in many parts of Asia. So far, there is no clinically acceptable method to control the progression of myopia. Recently, the research team from PolyU’s School of Optometry has invented a novel method, “DISC” lens, utilizing a natural homeostatic mechanism of the eye, known as “emmetropization”, whereby the eye tends toward a size that allows it to receive focused images as it would do with normal vision. The DISC lens is a multi-zone bifocal soft contact lens which simultaneously provides clear vision and constant myopic defocus (“STOP” signal to myopia) at all viewing distances. Our recent clinical control trial, the first of its kind in the world, has shown the DISC lens slowed down myopia progression by about 50% in Hong Kong schoolchildren (8 -13 years old).