Mumbai: Surya Eye Hospital, a leading eye care centre in India, has unveiled the Oculus Myopia Master, the first of its kind in Western India. This advanced diagnostic tool, developed in Germany, is designed to track and manage the progression of myopia in children, marking a significant step forward in myopia management. The launch was highlighted during a Media Round Table focused on addressing the growing issue of myopia in children.
To promote early detection and raise awareness, Surya Eye Hospital is hosting a free week-long Myopia Screening Camp from November 14 to 20, 2024, at its Bandra and Mulund branches. This initiative aligns with National Myopia Week and aims to serve as a critical resource for the community.
Given that a study found myopia prevalence among individuals aged 29 years and above in Maharashtra to be 15.3% and 17% in two population-based studies, these initiatives hold even greater significance in addressing this growing concern.
The Oculus Myopia Master offers a contactless, painless approach to measuring crucial eye parameters such as axial length, keratometry, and refraction. The device allows ophthalmologists to track myopia progression and develop personalised treatment plans by providing accurate readings. Developed in collaboration with OCULUS GmbH (Germany) and BHVI (Australia), this cutting-edge tool empowers healthcare providers to deliver more precise diagnoses and care, ensuring better outcomes for children.
Dr. Vinod Goyal, Senior Ophthalmologist and Director at Surya Eye Hospital, commented on the significance of this new technology, saying, “Myopia is becoming a global health concern, and early intervention is key to managing its impact. With the launch of the Myopia Master, we can offer more effective, personalised care, improving the quality of life for children affected by myopia and preventing long-term complications.”
Earlier, the Media Round Table brought together healthcare professionals, industry experts, and media representatives to discuss the increasing prevalence of myopia in India. The event focused on innovative solutions for diagnosing, preventing, and treating myopia, emphasising Surya Eye Hospital’s dedication to addressing the myopia epidemic through both advanced technology and community outreach.
Dr Jay Goyal, LASIK and Retina Specialist and Director of Surya Eye Hospital added, “We are excited to be the first in Western India to introduce the Myopia Master. With its accurate diagnostic capabilities, we can create tailored treatment plans that reduce children’s reliance on glasses and minimise the risk of more severe eye conditions, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma. Given that 40% of Indian children are projected to be affected by myopia by 2030, our goal is to provide timely, preventive care to manage this growing concern.”
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is rapidly increasing worldwide. By 2030, it’s estimated that 40% of Indian children will require spectacles due to myopia. Globally, one in three children is already affected, with the prevalence of myopia tripling from 1990 to 2023. The condition is expected to disproportionately impact Asia, where nearly 69% of the population could be at risk of moderate myopia by 2050.
Surya Eye Hospital’s new initiatives are part of a broader effort to tackle this growing public health challenge and ensure that children receive the best care for their vision.
