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Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital partners with Japanese firm to research myopia control treatment
Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital has partnered with Menicon Co. Ltd, a Japan-based contact lens manufacturing company, to undertake research and development in myopia control treatment. They have started clinical studies in India using an orthokeratology lens that is worn overnight to improve vision, with the aim of checking its efficacy and safety for children in India.
On Monday, Ashvin Agarwal, chief clinical officer, Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, and Shunsuke Yamagishi, regional director, China and Asia-Oceania International Business Head Office, Menicon Co. Ltd, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for joint research and development efforts to develop myopia control treatment, training ophthalmologists and optometrists, raising awareness on the treatment as well as expansion plans in India and neighbouring regions, according to a press release.
Myopia cases have increased significantly in India from 4% in 1999 to 21% in 2019. It is expected to grow to 30% in the next five years, to 40% by 2040 and 48% by 2050, Dr. Ashvin said. One of the main aims of this tie-up is to reduce the incidence of myopia, he added.
Backed by the Japanese government, they have initiated the study to explore effective strategies for controlling and mitigating vision-related issues. The study was launched by the Research and Development unit of the clinical board of the hospital.
Orthokeratology lenses are custom-made and designed to gently reshape the cornea to correct myopia, the release said. The technology was to basically help patients at risk of myopia, such as those with a family history and those with the early stages of the condition, Dr. Ashvin said.
With the growing challenges of myopia, this partnership marks a significant step towards tackling the issue, Mr. Yamagishi said. S.V. Chandrakumar, project director, State Programme Officer, Tamil Nadu State Blindness Control Society, took part.
