ZEISS MyoActive Officially Launches in Singapore: A New Approach to Childhood Myopia Management

Raylite Optical attends the official ZEISS MyoActive launch at the Asian Civilisations Museum, exploring the latest clinical insights and innovations in myopia management.

Myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness, is one of the most prevalent vision conditions affecting children in Singapore. While prescription glasses help children see clearly, managing how quickly their myopia progresses is equally important for their long-term eye health.

As research continues to advance, new optical technologies are offering more ways to help slow childhood myopia progression.

Our team at Raylite Optical recently attended the official Singapore launch of ZEISS MyoActive, held at the Ngee Ann Auditorium, Asian Civilisations Museum.

The event brought together eye care professionals and featured insightful presentations from doctors in ophthalmology, highlighting the long-term implications of childhood myopia, clinical case studies, and the importance of early intervention.

We were also introduced to ZEISS MyoActive, a new generation of myopia management spectacle lenses incorporating Dynamic Signal Theory and ZEISS M.O.V.E. (Micro Optical Variable Elements) technology.

Here are some of the key insights from the event and a closer look at the science behind these innovative lenses.

Why Childhood Myopia Management Matters

Myopia occurs when light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina rather than directly on it, resulting in blurred distance vision.

In children, myopia commonly develops as the eye grows excessively in length, a measurement known as axial length.

As children grow, their myopia may progressively increase, requiring stronger spectacle prescriptions over time.

However, myopia is more than simply needing stronger glasses.

During the launch, ophthalmology speakers discussed clinical cases involving myopia-related eye conditions and highlighted the relationship between higher levels of myopia, longer axial length, and the risk of ocular complications.

Higher myopia is associated with an increased lifetime risk of conditions such as:

• Myopic maculopathy: Degenerative changes affecting the central retina, potentially impairing detailed vision.
• Retinal detachment: A serious condition in which the retina separates from its underlying supporting tissue.
• Glaucoma: A group of eye diseases involving progressive damage to the optic nerve.
• Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's natural lens, which can affect vision.

Although these complications are not inevitable, the risk generally increases with greater degrees of myopia and longer axial length.

This is why managing childhood myopia goes beyond achieving clear vision today. It is also about reducing the likelihood of developing high myopia and its associated complications later in life.

Every Dioptre Counts: The Importance of Early Intervention

One of the central messages reinforced during the event was the importance of early myopia intervention.

A child's age, refractive error, axial length, and rate of progression all contribute to understanding their individual myopia risk.

Children who develop myopia at a younger age may have more years during which their prescription can increase.

By identifying myopia early and implementing appropriate management strategies, eye care professionals can aim to reduce the cumulative progression experienced throughout childhood.

Even a modest reduction in myopia progression can be meaningful over the long term.

The goal is not simply to delay the need for stronger spectacles, but to help protect children's future eye health.

A Comprehensive Approach to Myopia Management

Another important takeaway from the ophthalmology presentations was that effective myopia management requires more than prescribing a particular pair of lenses.

It involves an ongoing, individualised approach that considers each child's visual development, lifestyle, and response to treatment.

1. Assess Myopia Early

A comprehensive childhood eye examination should consider factors such as the child's age, age of myopia onset, current refractive error, family history, and axial length where available.

These measurements help establish a baseline and assess the child's risk of further progression.

2. Encourage Healthy Visual Habits

Lifestyle plays an important supporting role in myopia management.

Children should be encouraged to spend sufficient time outdoors, take regular breaks during prolonged near work, and develop healthy reading and screen-use habits.

Outdoor activity has been associated with a reduced risk of developing myopia, although it should not be considered a replacement for evidence-based myopia control treatment in children who are already myopic.

3. Consider Evidence-Based Myopia Control Treatments

Depending on the child's needs, suitable interventions may include specially designed myopia control spectacle lenses, orthokeratology, certain multifocal contact lenses, or pharmacological treatment such as low-dose atropine.

Each approach has its own considerations, and treatment suitability should be determined through professional assessment.

4. Monitor Myopia Progression Regularly

Regular follow-up examinations allow eye care professionals to evaluate whether a child's myopia management strategy is working as intended.

Monitoring should include changes in refractive error and, where possible, axial length.

Axial length measurements are particularly valuable because they provide an objective indication of eye growth, complementing changes in spectacle prescription.

5. Individualise and Adjust Treatment

Every child responds differently to myopia management.

Their age, progression rate, visual needs, lifestyle, and treatment adherence may change over time.

Regular reviews allow the management plan to be adjusted when necessary, helping ensure that treatment remains appropriate as the child grows.

Introducing ZEISS MyoActive: A New Generation of Myopia Control Spectacle Lenses

A major highlight of the event was the introduction of ZEISS MyoActive, a new myopia management spectacle lens developed specifically for children.

Officially announced by ZEISS Vision Care on 1 October 2026, MyoActive represents a new approach to optical myopia management through the application of Dynamic Signal Theory.

Traditional single-vision spectacle lenses correct blurred vision but are not specifically designed to slow myopia progression.

Myopia management spectacle lenses, on the other hand, incorporate specialised optical designs intended to influence the signals involved in eye growth.

ZEISS MyoActive builds upon established principles of optical defocus while introducing a non-repetitive arrangement of micro-optical elements that produces changing optical signals as the eyes move.

This is achieved through ZEISS' patented M.O.V.E. technology.

Understanding Dynamic Signal Theory

To understand what makes ZEISS MyoActive different, it helps to first understand the principle of myopic defocus.

Myopic defocus occurs when certain light rays are focused in front of the retina. Research suggests that this type of optical signal can help regulate eye growth and slow myopia progression.

This principle forms the foundation of several existing optical myopia management technologies.

However, ZEISS has explored an additional consideration: how the visual system responds to repeated optical signals over time.

Why Dynamic Signals?

The eye and visual system are capable of adapting to repeated or relatively uniform visual stimulation.

ZEISS' Dynamic Signal Theory proposes that varying the optical defocus signals reaching the retina may help reduce this adaptation and maintain the effectiveness of myopia control.

Rather than delivering a uniform, repetitive optical pattern, ZEISS MyoActive is designed to generate changing retinal signals during natural eye movements.

These signals vary in their spatial arrangement and optical power.

The objective is to provide ongoing, variable myopic defocus signals that help regulate axial elongation.

Dynamic Signal Theory is the design concept behind MyoActive. Its proposed mechanism is supported by ZEISS' optical research and clinical findings, although the precise biological mechanisms and longer-term outcomes remain areas of ongoing research.

ZEISS M.O.V.E. Technology: Micro Optical Variable Elements

At the heart of ZEISS MyoActive is M.O.V.E. technology, which stands for Micro Optical Variable Elements.

Unlike conventional spectacle lenses, ZEISS MyoActive incorporates specially designed micro-optical structures across its treatment zone.

These structures differ in optical power and are arranged in a deliberately non-repetitive pattern.

As a child naturally moves their eyes throughout the day, different optical elements come into play, creating varying patterns of myopic defocus.

A Closer Look at the Lens Design

1. Central Clear Zone: 7 mm

ZEISS MyoActive features a 7 mm central clear zone designed to correct the child's distance refractive error.

This allows clear vision through the central portion of the spectacle lens while the surrounding treatment zone provides the optical signals used for myopia management.

2. Treatment Zone - Variable Optical Powers

Surrounding the central clear zone is a treatment area containing micro-optical cylindrical elements with positive powers ranging from +1.50 D to +5.50 D.

The variation in power produces different levels of myopic defocus.

Rather than relying on a single uniform treatment power, the design introduces a range of optical signals.

3. Non-Repetitive Microstructure Arrangement

The micro-optical elements are deliberately arranged so that they do not form a uniform, repetitive alignment along a single meridian.

This spatial variation is central to the M.O.V.E. design.

As the eyes move naturally across the spectacle lenses, the pattern of optical signals changes, helping to reduce repetitive retinal stimulation.

4. ZEISS ClearFocus Back Surface Design

In addition to the front-surface M.O.V.E. technology, ZEISS MyoActive incorporates an optimised back surface using ZEISS ClearFocus design.

According to ZEISS, this design aims to minimise unwanted hyperopic defocus in the peripheral areas of the lens.

Together, these optical features are intended to provide clear vision while delivering dynamic myopia management signals.

Clinical Studies and Efficacy

ZEISS MyoActive has demonstrated promising results in clinical studies. In a one-year randomised controlled trial involving children aged 7–13 years, ZEISS MyoActive lenses showed 0.60 D less myopia progression and 0.22 mm less axial elongation compared to conventional single-vision spectacle lenses.

The MyoActive group experienced an average myopia progression of just -0.23 D over 12 months. Additionally, approximately 98% of children adapted to the lenses within one week. These findings highlight the potential of ZEISS MyoActive as an effective spectacle-based option for childhood myopia management, with longer-term clinical research ongoing.

What Does ZEISS MyoActive Mean for Children in Singapore?

With childhood myopia being a significant concern in Singapore, developments in myopia management technology are particularly relevant to parents here.

ZEISS MyoActive adds another optical approach to the growing range of evidence-based myopia management options.

Its distinctive design aims to combine clear vision correction with variable optical defocus signals intended to slow myopia progression.

However, choosing a myopia control treatment should never depend on technology alone.

A child's age, prescription, axial length, rate of progression, visual requirements, and lifestyle should all be considered before recommending a management strategy.

For some children, specialised spectacle lenses may offer a convenient, non-invasive treatment option. Others may benefit from different or combined approaches under appropriate professional supervision.

The most important consideration is selecting a suitable treatment early and monitoring its effectiveness over time.

Our Takeaways from the ZEISS MyoActive Singapore Launch

Attending the official ZEISS MyoActive launch was a valuable opportunity for our team at Raylite Optical to learn more about the latest developments in myopia research and optical technology.

Beyond the introduction of a new lens design, the event reinforced several principles that remain fundamental to effective childhood myopia management.

Early assessment matters. Understanding a child's myopia risk and progression at an early stage creates opportunities for timely intervention.

Axial length is an important measurement. Monitoring eye growth alongside refractive error provides a more comprehensive picture of myopia progression.

Myopia management is an ongoing process. Treatment should be supported by regular monitoring, healthy visual habits, and adjustments when necessary.

Every child is different. The most appropriate management approach should be tailored to the individual rather than applying the same treatment to every child.

Here at Raylite Optical, we believe in "Prevention Over Correction". Our approach to childhood myopia management emphasises early detection, evidence-based intervention and regular monitoring to support long-term eye health.

As new technologies such as ZEISS MyoActive continue to emerge, staying informed about clinical research helps us better understand the evolving options available for managing childhood myopia.

Looking for Myopia Management for Your Child in Singapore?

If your child has recently been diagnosed with myopia, or if their spectacle prescription continues to increase, an eye examination can help determine their current vision status and assess their risk of further progression.

At Raylite Optical, our services include refractive assessments, axial length measurement and discussions about suitable myopia management options based on individual clinical findings.

Speak with our team in-store to learn more about childhood myopia management and how early intervention may help support your child's long-term vision.

References and Further Reading

1. ZEISS Vision Care. ZEISS introduces MyoActive. Official press release, 1 October 2026.
   https://www.zeiss.com/vision-care/en/newsroom/news/2026/zeiss-introduces-myoactive.html

2. ZEISS Vision Care. ZEISS MyoActive Lenses. Official product information for eye care professionals.
   https://www.zeiss.com/vision-care/en/eye-care-professionals/lenses/lenses-for-every-need/myopia-progression-lenses-for-children.html

3. ZEISS Myopia Insights. Dynamic Signal Variation: Designed to Enhance Myopia Control by Reducing Adaptation. 6 October 2026.
   https://www.zeiss.com/myopia/en/articles--insights/designed-to-enhancing-myopia-control-by-reducing-adaptation.html

4. Clinical trial NCT06563700. Ongoing randomised controlled clinical investigation of novel spectacle lens designs for myopia management. ZEISS-reported 12-month results as of July 2026.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes and does not replace a professional eye examination or individualised clinical advice. Clinical results are based on the populations and follow-up periods described in the cited research. Product availability and suitability should be confirmed with an eye care professional.