Eye specialists in Finland raise concerns over special myopia lenses for children

Eye specialists in Finland are raising concerns about special lenses designed to treat children’s myopia (nearsightedness). While optometrists report positive outcomes and high user satisfaction, the effectiveness of these lenses remains debated. For the past few years, a special type of lens has been marketed in Finland, claiming to slow the progression of myopia in children. The core of these lenses is similar to regular glasses, but the periphery has multifocal properties designed to reduce eye elongation associated with myopia.

Olavi Pärssinen, a myopia expert and lecturer at the University of Jyväskylä, questions the claimed benefits of these lenses. Speaking at a Nordic ophthalmology congress, he noted that while some studies support a temporary slowdown in myopia progression, results become less significant after six months to a year, showing no substantial difference between test and control groups thereafter. He criticizes manufacturers’ claims that these lenses can slow myopia by 52 to 67 percent, stating such figures are misleading without proper context.

Pärssinen adds that myopia progression can vary widely among individuals, influenced more by environmental factors like outdoor activity than by genetics. He suggests more comprehensive research is needed before these lenses can be widely recommended.

On the other hand, manufacturers claim extensive research supporting their lenses. Hoya, for example, has conducted a six-year study demonstrating lasting effects on myopia progression. Currently, over a thousand children in Finland are reportedly using these lenses, and optometrists report generally favorable results during follow-ups.

Despite these variations in professional opinion, the debate continues amidst concerns about potential complications associated with their use.