CooperVision has made history in China, with its MiSight 1 Day soft contact lens designed for myopia control now the first indicated product of any type in the socialist republic that may slow the progression of axial length.
The Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), which regulates medical devices and pharmaceuticals, has approved MiSight 1 day contact lenses for use within the country following a priority review.
Myopia prevalence in China has increased at a significant rate in recent years. Statistics reveal that while 14.3% of six-year-old children are myopic, prevalence soars to 80.5% among high school students.
A myopia survey the National Health Commission conducted from September to December 2020, covering 8,604 schools across the country and screening a total of 2.477 million students, showed myopia prevalence in China is up 2.5% from 2019 to 2020, commonly attributed to children’s increased indoor time and digital screen use.
The survey demonstrated that myopia rates in primary schools are rising rapidly as children age, from 12.9% in the first grade to 59.6% in the sixth grade. On average, myopia increased by 9.3% points per grade.
CooperVision president Mr Daniel McBride said the company was committed to combatting the increasing prevalence and severity of myopia among children.
“It has become one of the world’s most pressing global eye health issues—with implications for generations to come,” he said.
“We are enthusiastic about MiSight 1 day contact lenses’ impact in partnership with highly-knowledgeable ophthalmologists and health care leaders across China. This development will further expand the global reach of our evidence-based technologies and clinical successes.”
MiSight 1 day contact lenses are now available in more than 25 countries. They were the first – and remain the only – US FDA-approved soft contact lens designed for myopia control with a proven ability to slow progression in children aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment.
McBride said alongside increasing demand for MiSight 1 day were stories of success from America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
“We’re constantly hearing from eyecare professionals about how the lens is helping grow their business and from partners about how our efforts have galvanised the eyecare community to take on myopia,” he said.
“And of course, we hear every day about the difference that MiSight 1 day is making in the lives of children—the most important outcome of all.”
Earlier this year, CooperVision and EssilorLuxottica entered into a joint venture agreement to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative SightGlass Vision spectacle lenses, which are designed to reduce the progression of myopia in children. Approval and availability for each product are country-dependent.
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