Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital partners with Menicon for R&D on myopia control

DES now affects 50%–60% of children in India, driven by increased screen time, as reported in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, a Lippincott Journal.

Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, eye care service chain operating a network of 236 facilities across 10 countries, has partnered with Menicon Co., a global entity in contact lens innovation to drive research and development in myopia control treatment, especially in India.

Myopia and digital eye strain continue to rise at alarming rates, particularly in urban India. Myopia cases have increased significantly from 4.44 per cent in 1999 to 21.15 per cent in 2019 and is expected to soar to 48.14 per cent by 2050, Dr Agarwal’s said in a statement. Similarly, DES now affects 50per cent –60 per cent of children in India, driven by increased screen time, as reported in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, a Lippincott Journal.

Clinical studies

Recognising the rapid rise of myopia, especially India and East Asia, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital and Menicon have begun clinical studies in India using Menicon Bloom Night™, an orthokeratology lens, which is worn overnight to improve vision.

Orthokeratology lenses are custom-made and designed to gently reshape the cornea to correct myopia. They provide a non-invasive solution to slow myopia progression.

Dr Ashvin Agarwal, Chief Clinical Officer, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital said, “Our association with Menicon will help us take the first step towards slowing myopia progression through the introduction of an orthokeratology lens which promises to improve vision for children. Both the organisations will work towards advancing orthokeratology and promoting its adoption for better eye health in India.”

“With our clinical studies in India, we aim to develop solutions and raise awareness about the treatment. We believe that our partnership will create impactful knowledge and treatment in myopia in India and beyond,” Shunsuke Yamagishi, Regional Director of China & Asia-Oceania International Business Head Office, Menicon, said.

Published on June 9, 2025