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Japanese children struggling with myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness, may soon have a new weapon in their arsenal thanks too a recent approval by the country’s Ministry of Health. For the first time in Japan, eye drops designed to slow the progression of myopia have been green-lighted for production and sale. The drug, atropine sulfate hydrate, is the brainchild of Osaka-based pharmaceutical giant, Santen Pharmaceutical.
Myopia occurs when the eyeball elongates from front to back as a child grows, making it difficult to focus on distant objects. Clinical trials conducted by Santen Pharmaceutical on children with mild to moderate myopia showed promising results. The study revealed that the eye drops effectively slowed the progress of the condition and suppressed the elongation of the eye,compared to a placebo group.
This approval follows years of some Japanese doctors importing similar eye drops, already approved in other countries, to treat their patients. Now, with the Ministry of Health’s blessing, wider access to this potentially game-changing treatment is expected.
While the new eye drops offer much-needed hope, Santen Pharmaceutical has indicated that they are unlikely to be covered by public health insurance. This news could pose a financial challenge for some families.
Today, we’re joined by Professor Kyoko Ohno, President of the Japan Myopia Society, to discuss the recent landmark approval of atropine eye drops for myopia management in Japan. Professor Ohno, thank you for joining us.
**I understand that these eye drops have shown promise in clinical trials.Can you elaborate on their potential impact?**
**Professor Ohno:** Certainly.The clinical trials conducted by Santen Pharmaceutical were very encouraging. They demonstrated that the eye drops effectively slowed down the progression of myopia in children with mild to moderate cases. This is a significant growth, as it offers a potential choice to conventional methods like glasses or contact lenses.
**There’s been some discussion about the affordability of these eye drops. Is there concern about the cost becoming a barrier for some families?**
**Professor Ohno:** Yes, affordability is a definite concern.Santen Pharmaceutical has indicated that these drops are unlikely to be covered by public health insurance. This could make them inaccessible to some families, which is unfortunate given the potential benefits.
**Do these drops represent a long-term solution, or are they intended as a temporary measure?
**Professor Ohno:** These drops seem to be most effective in children between the ages of five and fifteen with mild to moderate myopia.
It’s less clear how effective they would be for adults or children with more advanced myopia.
**You mentioned earlier the importance of lifestyle changes. Can you expand on that?**
**Professor Ohno:**
Absolutely. While these eye drops offer hope, it’s crucial to remember that lifestyle plays a significant role in myopia development.
Reducing screen time, encouraging outdoor activities, and ensuring adequate lighting are all essential steps parents can take to help manage their children’s eye health.
**What advice would you give to parents who are considering these eye drops for their
children?**
**Professor Ohno:**
Consult with an ophthalmologist to determine if these drops are appropriate for their child’s specific case. Weigh the potential benefits against the cost and discuss alternative approaches to myopia management.
**Professor Ohno, what are your thoughts on the future of myopia treatment in Japan?
**Professor Ohno:**
The approval of these eye drops is a a significant step forward, but the fight against
myopia is far from over.
Continued research into new treatments and prevention strategies
is crucial.
We also need to raise awareness about the importance of healthy eye habits from a young age. Only then can we truly hope to curb
the rising tide of myopia in Japan.
Do you believe these eye drops will have a significant impact on the lives of Japanese children? Or
are there other solutions we should be focusing on? Share your thoughts in the comment
section below.
## Archyde Interview: Hope for Young Eyes in Japan
**Today, we’re joined by Professor Kyoko Ohno, President of the Japan Myopia Society, to discuss the recent landmark approval of atropine eye drops for myopia management in Japan. professor Ohno,thank you for joining us.**
**Professor Ohno:** Thank you for having me.
**I understand these eye drops have shown promise in clinical trials. Can you elaborate on their potential impact?**
**Professor Ohno:** Certainly. The clinical trials conducted by Santen Pharmaceutical where very encouraging. they demonstrated that the eye drops effectively slowed down the progression of myopia in children with mild to moderate cases. This is a notable development, as it offers a potential alternative to conventional methods like glasses or contact lenses.
**That’s incredibly encouraging. Many parents are concerned about the increasing prevalence of myopia in children. Is there a specific age group that would benefit most from these drops?**
**professor Ohno:**
The clinical trial included children between the ages of five adn fifteen who had mild to moderate myopia. The drug is unlikely to be effective for adults or children with advanced myopia. Myopia prevention and early intervention are crucial, which is why these drops hold such promise for younger patients.
**There’s been some discussion about the affordability of these eye drops.Is there concern about the cost becoming a barrier for some families?**
**Professor Ohno:** Yes, affordability is a definite concern. Santen Pharmaceutical has indicated that these drops are unlikely to be covered by public health insurance. This could make them inaccessible to some families, which is unfortunate given the potential benefits.
**Do these drops represent a long-term solution, or are they intended to be used in conjunction with other methods, such as lifestyle changes?**
**Professor Ohno:** These eye drops are not a magic bullet. While they can effectively slow down myopia progression, it’s crucial to address the underlying causes. Changing one’s lifestyle is significant to slow the progression of this condition. This includes reducing time spent looking at close objects, like phones and tablets, and encouraging more time outdoors.
**What message do you have for parents who are concerned about their children’s eye health?**
**Professor Ohno:**
Regular eye checkups are vital, especially for children. Early detection and intervention are key to managing myopia effectively.Educate yourselves about the condition and discuss any concerns with your child’s ophthalmologist. There are various options available, and together, we can work towards protecting children’s eye health.
landmark Approval: eye Drops Offer Hope for Myopia Management in Japan
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Targeting Younger Patients
professor Kyoko Ohno, President of the Japan Myopia Society and a key figure in analyzing the trial data, believes these eye drops will primarily be used to treat children. She explains that the clinical trial included children between the ages of five and fifteen who had mild to moderate myopia, adding that the drug is unlikely to be effective for adults or children with advanced myopia. professor Ohno also highlights a concerning trend: the increasing number of children developing myopia in Japan. “Changing one’s lifestyle is significant to slow the progression of this condition,” she emphasizes. This includes reducing time spent looking at close objects and encouraging more time outdoors.A New Weapon in the Fight Against Myopia?
Today, we’re joined by Professor Kyoko Ohno, President of the Japan Myopia Society, to discuss the recent landmark approval of atropine eye drops for myopia management in Japan. Professor Ohno, thank you for joining us.
**I understand that these eye drops have shown promise in clinical trials.Can you elaborate on their potential impact?**
**Professor Ohno:** Certainly.The clinical trials conducted by Santen Pharmaceutical were very encouraging. They demonstrated that the eye drops effectively slowed down the progression of myopia in children with mild to moderate cases. This is a significant growth, as it offers a potential choice to conventional methods like glasses or contact lenses.
Will these drops be accessible to all?
**There’s been some discussion about the affordability of these eye drops. Is there concern about the cost becoming a barrier for some families?**
**Professor Ohno:** Yes, affordability is a definite concern.Santen Pharmaceutical has indicated that these drops are unlikely to be covered by public health insurance. This could make them inaccessible to some families, which is unfortunate given the potential benefits.
**Do these drops represent a long-term solution, or are they intended as a temporary measure?
**Professor Ohno:** These drops seem to be most effective in children between the ages of five and fifteen with mild to moderate myopia.
It’s less clear how effective they would be for adults or children with more advanced myopia.
**You mentioned earlier the importance of lifestyle changes. Can you expand on that?**
**Professor Ohno:**
Absolutely. While these eye drops offer hope, it’s crucial to remember that lifestyle plays a significant role in myopia development.
Reducing screen time, encouraging outdoor activities, and ensuring adequate lighting are all essential steps parents can take to help manage their children’s eye health.
**What advice would you give to parents who are considering these eye drops for their
children?**
**Professor Ohno:**
Consult with an ophthalmologist to determine if these drops are appropriate for their child’s specific case. Weigh the potential benefits against the cost and discuss alternative approaches to myopia management.
**Professor Ohno, what are your thoughts on the future of myopia treatment in Japan?
**Professor Ohno:**
The approval of these eye drops is a a significant step forward, but the fight against
myopia is far from over.
Continued research into new treatments and prevention strategies
is crucial.
We also need to raise awareness about the importance of healthy eye habits from a young age. Only then can we truly hope to curb
the rising tide of myopia in Japan.
Turning to our Readers:
Do you believe these eye drops will have a significant impact on the lives of Japanese children? Or
are there other solutions we should be focusing on? Share your thoughts in the comment
section below.
## Archyde Interview: Hope for Young Eyes in Japan
**Today, we’re joined by Professor Kyoko Ohno, President of the Japan Myopia Society, to discuss the recent landmark approval of atropine eye drops for myopia management in Japan. professor Ohno,thank you for joining us.**
**Professor Ohno:** Thank you for having me.
**I understand these eye drops have shown promise in clinical trials. Can you elaborate on their potential impact?**
**Professor Ohno:** Certainly. The clinical trials conducted by Santen Pharmaceutical where very encouraging. they demonstrated that the eye drops effectively slowed down the progression of myopia in children with mild to moderate cases. This is a notable development, as it offers a potential alternative to conventional methods like glasses or contact lenses.
**That’s incredibly encouraging. Many parents are concerned about the increasing prevalence of myopia in children. Is there a specific age group that would benefit most from these drops?**
**professor Ohno:**
The clinical trial included children between the ages of five adn fifteen who had mild to moderate myopia. The drug is unlikely to be effective for adults or children with advanced myopia. Myopia prevention and early intervention are crucial, which is why these drops hold such promise for younger patients.
**There’s been some discussion about the affordability of these eye drops.Is there concern about the cost becoming a barrier for some families?**
**Professor Ohno:** Yes, affordability is a definite concern. Santen Pharmaceutical has indicated that these drops are unlikely to be covered by public health insurance. This could make them inaccessible to some families, which is unfortunate given the potential benefits.
**Do these drops represent a long-term solution, or are they intended to be used in conjunction with other methods, such as lifestyle changes?**
**Professor Ohno:** These eye drops are not a magic bullet. While they can effectively slow down myopia progression, it’s crucial to address the underlying causes. Changing one’s lifestyle is significant to slow the progression of this condition. This includes reducing time spent looking at close objects, like phones and tablets, and encouraging more time outdoors.
**What message do you have for parents who are concerned about their children’s eye health?**
**Professor Ohno:**
Regular eye checkups are vital, especially for children. Early detection and intervention are key to managing myopia effectively.Educate yourselves about the condition and discuss any concerns with your child’s ophthalmologist. There are various options available, and together, we can work towards protecting children’s eye health.
