Minimum Age for MyoCare Spectacle Lenses
MyoCare spectacle lenses can be initiated at age 6 years in children with progressive myopia who can reliably wear glasses. 1, 2, 3
Evidence-Based Age Recommendations
The clinical trial data for MyoCare lenses consistently enrolled children starting at age 6 years as the minimum age:
- The European CEME trial included children aged 6-13 years, establishing age 6 as the lower threshold for safe and effective use 1, 3
- The Chinese multicenter trial similarly enrolled children aged 6-13 years with myopia ranging from -0.75 D to -5.00 D 2
- Both studies demonstrated significant efficacy in slowing myopia progression across this entire age range 1, 2
Clinical Context from Broader Guidelines
While MyoCare-specific data starts at age 6, the American Academy of Ophthalmology's broader guidance on myopia control spectacle lenses references studies in children aged 6-11 years, supporting this age threshold 4
The age 6 minimum aligns with practical considerations:
- Children at this age can typically cooperate with spectacle wear and follow-up examinations 1, 2
- Myopia progression is often most rapid during early school years, making early intervention beneficial 5
- Younger children (6-10 years) actually showed enhanced treatment response in some studies, with 41% reduction in axial length progression compared to 35% in the full cohort 5
Key Inclusion Criteria Beyond Age
When initiating MyoCare lenses at age 6 or older, ensure the child meets these criteria established in clinical trials:
- Myopia between -0.75 D and -5.00 D spherical equivalent 1, 2, 3
- Astigmatism ≤1.50 D 1, 2, 3
- Anisometropia ≤1.00 D 1, 2, 3
- Documented myopia progression of at least -0.50 D in the previous year 1, 3
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not delay treatment waiting for "faster progression" or older age—the evidence shows younger children (6-10 years) may actually benefit more from myopia control interventions, and early intervention prevents accumulation of higher myopia and its associated complications 5