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MiyoSmart Lenses: What Everyone Should Know About Myopia Management

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A happy child wearing a pair of glasses with clear frames in front of a yellow background.

If your child’s glasses prescription seems to change more often than you’d expect, you’re not imagining things. More and more children are developing nearsightedness (also called myopia), and many are seeing their prescriptions getting stronger from year to year. While it’s easy to chalk this up to screen time or genetics, there’s more going on beneath the surface.

Myopia affects a person’s ability to clearly see things at a distance. Although regular glasses or contact lenses can correct blurry vision, they don’t address how quickly the condition progresses. That’s where myopia management comes in.

Myopia management refers to a range of specialized treatments designed not only to correct vision but also to slow the progression of nearsightedness over time. These treatments are especially important for children, as early intervention can reduce the risk of developing high myopia, which is associated with more serious eye health issues later in life.

Introducing MiyoSmart Lenses

MiyoSmart lenses are designed to help with more than just vision correction. These lenses support children with myopia by gently addressing how their eyes change over time. 

What makes MiyoSmart lenses different is something called DIMS technology, or Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments. Here’s what it involves:

  • The centre of the lens provides the child with clear vision, just like a traditional pair of glasses.
  • Surrounding this centre zone are small segments that introduce a kind of “controlled blur,” or defocus. This defocus signals the eye to avoid growing in ways that cause myopia to get stronger.
  • This slows the progression of myopia.

Who MiyoSmart Lenses Are For

These lenses are typically designed for children between the ages of 6–18 with myopia. In other words, they’ve already been diagnosed with nearsightedness, and their prescription is increasing over time.

If you’re wondering whether your child might benefit from MiyoSmart, an eye exam can be a good place to start. We can assess how your child’s eyes are growing, how often their prescription has changed, and whether something like MiyoSmart would be a good fit for their needs.

Some signs that a child may have myopia include:

  • Frequent squinting or sitting close to screens
  • Complaints of blurry distance vision
  • Needing new glasses more often than expected
  • A family history of nearsightedness

While not every child with myopia will need MiyoSmart lenses, it’s helpful to know that answers are available.

What Families Can Expect

One of the comforting things about MiyoSmart lenses is that they’re worn just like any other pair of glasses. There are no extra steps or new habits to form. Children wear them throughout the day as they go to school, play, read, and relax at home.

They’re also built with durability in mind. MiyoSmart lenses are made from a material that’s lightweight and impact-resistant. And because they look like regular glasses, most children adapt quickly without feeling self-conscious or overwhelmed.

It’s worth keeping in mind that MiyoSmart lenses are most effective when they’re part of a broader plan that might also include approaches like:

  • More time spent outdoors, especially in natural sunlight
  • Regular breaks from screens and near work (like reading or homework)
  • Annual or semi-annual eye exams to monitor prescription changes

These strategies, when combined with MiyoSmart lenses, offer a gentle, consistent way to support long-term vision development.

Why Myopia Management Matters

You might be wondering: why not wait until your child is older and deal with their prescriptions then? That’s a fair question, and one many parents may have. The reason myopia management is becoming more common is because of the long-term impact that high myopia can have on a person’s eye health. These risks include:

By managing how quickly myopia progresses, families have the opportunity to support healthier eyes into adulthood.

A Community-Based Approach to Care

A child gets their eyes checked for glasses by an optometrist.

Having access to myopia control is important. Fortunately, you don’t need to travel far to find thoughtful, knowledgeable support. At St. Marys Optometry, we offer myopia control options that we want local families to take advantage of.

Our approach isn’t rushed. It’s built around conversations, check-ins, and keeping you involved every step of the way. Whether you’re new to myopia management or not, our focus remains on building trust and offering realistic, family-centred care.

The Next Step for Curious Parents

If your child has been wearing glasses for a while and you’ve noticed their prescription climbing, this might be a good time to explore other options. MiyoSmart lenses are a thoughtful choice for many families, and learning more starts with a conversation during an eye exam.

Book your visit today and get a clearer sense of how your child’s vision is developing and what support might be helpful moving forward. You’ll also be able to ask questions and talk through what life with these lenses might look like.

It’s a step that doesn’t need to feel overwhelming or urgent. Just a gentle check-in, and a chance to consider what tools are available for growing eyes and growing kids.

Carol

Written by Dr. Carol Venn

My journey into optometry began when I was 15 and got my first pair of glasses. Suddenly, the world came into focus—details I hadn’t even realized I was missing became clear, and it made all the difference, especially in school. That experience was life-changing, and it sparked something in me: I wanted to give others the gift of clear vision, too. That realization set me on the path to earning my degree at the University of Waterloo and, eventually, to opening St. Marys Optometry in 2010.

Since then, I’ve been dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages, from little ones experiencing their first eye exams to adults who want to preserve their vision for years to come. I love connecting with my patients and making every visit a comfortable and positive experience. I’m passionate about uncovering the unique vision challenges my patients face so I can recommend the best solutions. By offering personalized, customized products and services, I help ensure every individual’s needs are met with care and precision.

One of my favourite things about St. Marys Optometry is the incredible team I get to work with every day. They are the backbone of the practice, and I truly couldn’t function without them! Each member of the SMO team cares deeply about our patients, going above and beyond to provide exceptional vision care. But they don’t just care about our patients—they care about each other, too, supporting one another in countless ways both in and out of the office. I genuinely love each member of our team and feel thankful for them every single day.

One of my favourite team traditions takes place each fall and holds a special place in my heart. We attend a conference together, spending the day learning, networking, and drawing inspiration from our colleagues in the optical industry. But the real magic happens after dinner, when we hit the dance floor! As someone who has always loved to dance, sharing the joy of dancing with my SMO team is an experience that’s truly unbeatable. Despite our different tastes in music and the range of ages in our group, it’s no surprise that we come together so effortlessly, making unforgettable memories while having a blast.

Outside the office, I value staying active and having fun. My favourite spot to stay active is the pickleball court, where I enjoy games with family and friends, as well as competing in tournaments—often teaming up with my longtime friend and fellow optometrist, Dr. Laurie. If you want to see what we’re up to check out @pickleball_visionaries on Instagram. I also love strolling through town with my husband Mike and our dogs, Scout and Hunter. At home, I enjoy spending quality time with Mike and our teens, Megan and Luke. And when it’s time to unwind, nothing beats a cozy moment with a cup of tea, a square of dark chocolate, and a good book or TV show.

As a longtime local (almost 30 years!), I’m passionate about supporting our vibrant community. If you’re new to St. Marys or looking to explore, I’d highly recommend checking out some of my favourite spots: TuttCo for the most delicious meals, Dunny’s Source for Sports where you can get everything you need for an active lifestyle, O’Grady’s Clothing and Accessories when it’s time to look your best, Sensations Salon and Day Spa for haircare and other services, and The Town & Country Cheese Shoppe where they make the best sandwiches as well as offering a massive variety of cheese. They’re all fantastic places to experience the heart of our town.

For me, optometry isn’t just about eye care—it’s about making a difference in people’s lives. At St. Marys Optometry, I’m proud to combine professional expertise with a personal touch, creating a space where everyone can feel at home while receiving the highest quality care.

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