Hoya MiYOSMART is a spectacle lens designed to slow the progression of childhood myopia (short-sightedness). It looks like an ordinary lens but uses Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (D.I.M.S.) technology, and in the landmark two-year clinical study it slowed myopia progression by around 60% versus standard single-vision lenses. In the UK, MiYOSMART lenses typically cost from around £250 per pair (frames extra), as part of a monitored myopia management plan with 6-monthly reviews.
Why slow myopia in children?
Myopia is not just about needing glasses. As a child’s eye becomes more short-sighted, the eyeball grows longer (axial elongation). Higher myopia in adulthood is linked to a greater lifelong risk of retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, glaucoma and early cataract. Slowing progression during the growing years aims to keep the final prescription — and that lifelong risk — lower.
Myopia control is recommended when a child’s short-sightedness is progressing, typically between around 6 and 15 years of age. It works best alongside lifestyle measures: at least two hours outdoors each day and regular breaks from close-up screen and reading work.
Myopia control options
MiYOSMART spectacles are one of several evidence-based options. Your clinician will recommend the best fit for your child’s age, prescription and lifestyle.
Other approaches include orthokeratology (ortho-K night lenses) and low-dose atropine eye drops (Ryjunea). Some children use a combination — for example spectacles plus atropine. See also Acuvue Abiliti soft lenses.
Is your child’s prescription getting stronger each year? A myopia assessment measures axial length and helps you choose the right control method.
Book a myopia assessmentHow MiYOSMART lenses work
A MiYOSMART lens has a clear central zone that corrects your child’s vision normally. Surrounding this is a ring-shaped ‘honeycomb’ of hundreds of tiny defocus segments. These segments create a signal in front of the retina (myopic defocus) that tells the eye to slow its growth, while your child still sees clearly through the lens. Because the correction and the treatment are built into the same everyday lens, there is nothing extra for your child to do — they simply wear their glasses full-time.
- A full children’s eye examination and cycloplegic refraction confirm the prescription.
- Axial length is measured as a baseline to track eye growth over time.
- MiYOSMART lenses are dispensed in a well-fitting frame and worn all waking hours.
- Progress is reviewed every 6 months, adjusting the plan if needed.
What to expect
First 1–2 days
Most children adapt to the lenses very quickly. Clear central vision is immediate; the peripheral treatment zone is not usually noticeable.
First weeks
Your child wears the glasses full-time. Encourage outdoor time and screen breaks to support the treatment.
6-month review
We recheck the prescription and axial length to confirm progression is slowing and the plan is working.
Ongoing
Reviews continue every 6 months until the eyes stabilise, usually in the mid-to-late teens.
MiYOSMART cost
In the UK, MiYOSMART lenses typically cost from around £250 per pair, with frames charged separately. Because this is a managed treatment, the overall plan also includes the initial assessment, cycloplegic refraction, baseline and follow-up axial length measurements and 6-monthly reviews. Myopia control is not funded by the NHS, so it is a private (self-pay) service.
- Lenses: from £250 per pair (frames extra).
- Assessment & monitoring: included in a myopia management plan with 6-monthly reviews.
- Replacement: lenses are updated as your child’s prescription changes.