View of the Hoya Learning Center in Lisbon

The aim of this visit was to share with other fellow optometrists from all over the peninsula, the first impressions after adapting the MiYoSMART lenses to control the progression of myopia.

In addition, we updated and expanded our knowledge with the latest research, as well as learning about new state-of-the-art devices to be able to more accurately calculate the progression of myopia in children.

Of note is the great work being done in this field of optometry in the prevention and slowing down of myopia. The WHO estimates that by 2050, half of the world's population will be nearsighted. Lifestyle changes have accelerated since the advent of COVID-19, with children spending more time indoors, using screens longer, and at an earlier age, and the incidence of myopia grows.

One of the risks of becoming myopic is the progression or increase of this myopia, making an eye with a myopia greater than 4 diopters is up to 10 times more likely to start a myopic maculopathy, 9 times more likely to develop a myopia. retina, 6 times more likely to have cataracts and 3 times more likely to have glaucoma. This will result in the need for future investment in health care in the treatment of preventable diseases by avoiding high myopia and at the same time improving the quality of life of society.

It is for these reasons that we need to continue researching and looking for tools to make children who become short-sighted as short-sighted as possible. Current solutions are ophthalmic lenses, contact lenses, drugs, prevention with visual training and good visual habits.