Discover ZEISS MyoActive, the new-generation upgrade from MyoCare featuring M.O.V.E. technology and clinical results. Coming soon to Malaya Optical Malaysia.
ZEISS MyoActive Malaysia: The Next Generation of Myopia Control Lenses for Children
A new technological upgrade building on ZEISS MyoCare, featuring M.O.V.E. technology, Dynamic Signal Theory and promising clinical results. Coming soon to Malaya Optical Malaysia.
Your child’s spectacle prescription was −1.00D last year. At their latest eye examination, it has increased to −2.00D.
For many Malaysian parents, this raises an important question: Is there a way to slow my child’s increasing short-sightedness rather than simply replacing their spectacles every year?
Modern myopia management aims to address exactly this concern.
ZEISS has introduced ZEISS MyoActive, a new-generation myopia-management spectacle lens designed to help slow childhood myopia progression.
Officially announced on 1 October 2026, MyoActive introduces M.O.V.E. technology (Micro Optical Variable Elements), which uses a different approach to optical defocus from the established ZEISS MyoCare lenses.
ZEISS reports promising one-year clinical findings, including 0.60D less myopia progression and 0.22 mm less axial elongation compared with conventional single-vision spectacles.
ZEISS MyoActive is coming soon to Malaya Optical, with planned availability at our four branches in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya and Puchong.
But what makes MyoActive different? Is it an upgrade from MyoCare? And what do the clinical findings actually mean for your child?
Let’s explore the technology, research and practical considerations.
What Is ZEISS MyoActive?
ZEISS MyoActive is a specialised spectacle lens designed to correct childhood myopia while providing optical signals intended to slow excessive eye elongation.
Unlike conventional single-vision spectacles, which primarily correct blurred distance vision, MyoActive incorporates microscopic optical treatment structures.
These structures create varying myopic-defocus signals as a child moves their eyes through different parts of the lens.
The technology is called ZEISS M.O.V.E. — Micro Optical Variable Elements.
MyoActive is designed to be worn as everyday spectacles, making it a potential option for children who prefer glasses or are not ready for contact lenses.
There is no overnight contact lens wear, lens insertion or contact lens cleaning routine.
However, MyoActive is not a cure for myopia. Its purpose is to help slow progression, and individual results may vary.
From ZEISS MyoCare to ZEISS MyoActive: A New Generation of Myopia Management
ZEISS has continued to develop different optical approaches to managing childhood myopia.
Earlier technologies explored peripheral defocus. ZEISS MyoCare later introduced C.A.R.E. technology — Cylindrical Annular Refractive Elements.
MyoCare uses concentric optical treatment structures designed to provide myopic-defocus signals while correcting the child’s prescription.
Now, ZEISS MyoActive represents a new-generation technological upgrade, introducing an approach based on Dynamic Signal Theory.
Instead of using a regular arrangement of treatment elements, MyoActive incorporates non-repetitive micro-optical structures intended to generate changing defocus signals during natural eye movements.
This is an evolution in optical design, not simply a change in product name.
Does MyoActive Replace ZEISS MyoCare?
There is currently no verified official announcement that ZEISS MyoCare is being discontinued.
ZEISS continues to discuss MyoCare as part of its myopia-management portfolio and has reported multi-year clinical findings for the technology.
MyoActive should therefore be understood as a newer technological advancement building on ZEISS’s established myopia-management research, rather than a confirmed replacement for MyoCare.
The two lens designs have different mechanisms and clinical evidence histories.
Why Does Myopia Progression Matter?
Myopia, or short-sightedness, occurs when distant light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
In many children, this is associated with the eye growing too long.
As the eye elongates, the child’s spectacle prescription may become increasingly negative.
For example, a child might progress from −1.00D to −2.00D and eventually −3.00D.
Every child’s progression pattern is different.
Higher levels of myopia are associated with increased lifetime risks of conditions such as myopic maculopathy, retinal detachment and glaucoma.
This is why myopia management focuses not only on clear vision today, but also on reducing excessive eye growth during childhood.
Correcting Vision vs Managing Myopia
Ordinary single-vision spectacles help children see clearly.
Myopia-management spectacle lenses are designed to provide clear vision and an additional optical treatment signal intended to slow progression.
ZEISS MyoActive belongs to this second category.
What Is ZEISS M.O.V.E. Technology?
M.O.V.E. stands for Micro Optical Variable Elements.
It is the patented optical technology used in ZEISS MyoActive.
The lens incorporates microscopic treatment structures arranged in a deliberately non-repetitive pattern.
These structures create different myopic-defocus signals as the child looks through different areas of the lens.
How Is the Lens Designed?
According to ZEISS’s published technical explanation, MyoActive incorporates:
- A 7 mm central clear zone for distance correction
- A surrounding treatment zone containing micro-optical cylindrical structures
- Treatment-element powers ranging from approximately +1.50D to +5.50D
- A non-repetitive arrangement of optical elements
- A back surface optimised with ZEISS ClearFocus design
The treatment-element powers are not the child’s main spectacle prescription.
Instead, they describe the specialised optical structures that provide additional defocus signals.
The child’s refractive error is still corrected according to their individual prescription.
What Makes M.O.V.E. Different?
The key distinction is that the treatment structures are not arranged in a simple repeating pattern.
As the child moves their eyes, different parts of the treatment zone produce varying optical signals.
ZEISS designed this approach around the idea that changing signals may help maintain the visual system’s response to myopic defocus.
Understanding Dynamic Signal Theory: Why Changing Optical Signals May Matter
This is one of the most interesting aspects of ZEISS MyoActive.
Many myopia-management spectacle lenses use myopic defocus.
In simple terms, specialised treatment zones create additional light focus in front of the retina while the main prescription provides clear vision.
Researchers believe appropriately designed myopic-defocus signals can help slow excessive axial elongation.
ZEISS is investigating another question:
Could the visual system become accustomed to repeated optical signals over time?
What Is Visual Adaptation?
Our visual system constantly adjusts to the information it receives.
For example, when entering a brightly lit environment, our eyes gradually adapt.
ZEISS proposes that repeated, uniform optical patterns may also encourage adaptation to myopic-defocus signals.
If adaptation reduces the response to those signals, varying the pattern could potentially help maintain treatment effectiveness.
How MyoActive Approaches This
MyoActive uses non-repetitive microstructures to create changing defocus signals as the eyes move naturally.
Instead of presenting an identical pattern across the treatment region, it introduces spatial variation.
ZEISS calls this approach Dynamic Signal Theory.
The intended benefit is to reduce adaptation and help maintain retinal responsiveness to myopic defocus.
What Has Not Yet Been Proven?
This distinction is important.
Clinical studies can show whether children wearing MyoActive experience slower myopia progression.
However, those results do not independently prove that reduced neural adaptation is the specific biological reason for the improvement.
Dynamic Signal Theory is a research-based design rationale, but the precise mechanisms behind its effects remain under investigation.
For parents, the practical question is whether the lens helps slow progression safely and consistently.
What Does the ZEISS MyoActive Clinical Research Show?
ZEISS presented initial MyoActive findings at the 2026 Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting.
The research forms part of an ongoing prospective, multicentre, double-masked, randomized controlled trial registered as NCT06563700.
How Was the Study Conducted?
The overall study enrolled 342 Chinese children aged 7–13 years, with starting spherical equivalent prescriptions between approximately −0.75D and −5.00D.
Participants were assigned to six groups:
- Five different experimental myopia-management spectacle-lens designs
- One conventional single-vision spectacle-lens control group
The design subsequently identified as ZEISS MyoActive was one of the five experimental lens designs.
For the one-year comparison reported by ZEISS, the relevant groups included:
56 children wearing MyoActive
and
56 children wearing conventional single-vision spectacles.
Researchers measured both changes in refractive prescription and axial length.
ZEISS MyoActive Six-Month Clinical Results
At six months, ZEISS reported that children wearing MyoActive experienced average changes of:
−0.13D in refractive error
and
0.02 mm in axial length.
Compared with the single-vision control group, this represented:
| Clinical Measurement | Difference Compared With Single-Vision Spectacles |
|---|---|
| Myopia progression | 0.38D less progression |
| Axial elongation | 0.15 mm less eye growth |
| Study period | 6 months |
These were average differences between study groups.
They do not mean that every child experienced the same outcome.
The findings nevertheless suggest that the lens design can provide a meaningful myopia-management effect during the observed period.
ZEISS MyoActive One-Year Results: What Do the Numbers Mean?
On 1 October 2026, ZEISS announced updated one-year findings.
The company reported:
| Clinical Outcome | Reported One-Year Finding |
|---|---|
| Difference in refractive progression vs single vision | 0.60D less progression |
| Difference in axial elongation vs single vision | 0.22 mm less eye growth |
| Average refractive change among MyoActive wearers | −0.23D over one year |
| Children fully adapted within one week | Approximately 98% |
What Does 0.60D Less Myopia Progression Mean?
Suppose a group of children wearing conventional single-vision spectacles experiences a certain average increase in short-sightedness over one year.
If the MyoActive group experiences 0.60D less progression, its average prescription change is smaller by that amount.
This does not mean MyoActive reverses an existing prescription by 0.60D.
It also does not mean every child experiences the same benefit.
What Does 0.22 mm Less Axial Elongation Mean?
Axial length measures the length of the eye from front to back.
A reduction of 0.22 mm in axial elongation means the MyoActive group experienced less average eye growth than the single-vision comparison group.
This is an important outcome because myopia management should consider eye growth, not only changes in spectacle prescription.
Did MyoActive Stop Myopia Progression?
ZEISS reported an average refractive change of approximately −0.23D over one year.
This is smaller than the 0.25D increment commonly used in subjective spectacle refraction.
ZEISS therefore described the average change as below a threshold of clinical relevance.
However, a small group-average change does not mean every child’s myopia stopped progressing.
Some children may respond strongly, while others may continue to progress.
How Reliable Are the Clinical Results?
The findings are promising, but they should be interpreted in context.
Strengths
The research uses a randomized, double-masked, multicentre design.
It includes a conventional single-vision comparison group.
It measures both refractive progression and axial length.
The broader trial also evaluates multiple experimental optical designs.
Limitations
The participants were Chinese children aged 7–13 years within a defined prescription range.
Results may differ among other populations, ages and clinical circumstances.
The study is ongoing, so longer-term results remain important.
The October 2026 one-year findings were announced by ZEISS as data on file. They should not be described as a fully independently peer-reviewed one-year publication unless such a publication becomes available.
Further research will also help clarify how much of the treatment effect can be attributed specifically to reduced visual adaptation.
The current findings support MyoActive as a promising option, but do not establish that it is universally superior to other myopia-management lenses.
ZEISS MyoActive vs ZEISS MyoCare: Technology, Evidence, Pros and Cons
Both lenses aim to slow childhood myopia progression, but their optical designs differ.
| Feature | ZEISS MyoCare | ZEISS MyoActive |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | C.A.R.E. | M.O.V.E. |
| Optical structure | Concentric annular refractive elements | Non-repetitive micro-optical elements |
| Design concept | Structured myopic defocus | Spatially varying myopic defocus |
| Additional optical design | ClearFocus | ClearFocus |
| Research history | Multi-year clinical evidence | Newer clinical programme with one-year findings |
| Main purpose | Slow myopia progression | Slow myopia progression |
| Contact lens handling | Not required | Not required |
ZEISS MyoCare: Advantages
MyoCare has a longer clinical evidence history, including multi-year studies.
Its C.A.R.E. design is established within ZEISS’s myopia-management portfolio.
It may be appropriate for children whose prescription, progression pattern and visual needs match the lens’s indications.
ZEISS MyoCare: Considerations
Its treatment design differs from MyoActive’s newer dynamic-defocus approach.
Like other myopia-management spectacles, it requires consistent wear, appropriate fitting and follow-up.
Individual responses can vary.
ZEISS MyoActive: Advantages
MyoActive introduces a new optical approach using non-repetitive treatment structures.
Its one-year findings show promising reductions in both refractive progression and axial elongation.
ZEISS also reports favourable adaptation and visual-comfort results.
ZEISS MyoActive: Considerations
Its clinical evidence history is shorter than MyoCare’s.
Longer-term and independently published results remain important.
Its Dynamic Signal Theory mechanism is still being investigated.
Malaysian availability and approved prescribing specifications must be confirmed.
Is MyoActive Better Than MyoCare?
ZEISS describes MyoActive as its most effective myopia-management spectacle lens to date based on its reported clinical findings.
However, MyoActive and MyoCare have different clinical research programmes.
Without an appropriate direct comparison, we should not assume that MyoActive will deliver better outcomes for every child.
Newer technology is worth understanding, but individual clinical assessment remains more important than choosing a lens based solely on its generation.
ZEISS MyoActive vs MiYOSMART, Stellest and H.O.R.I.
Several manufacturers have developed specialised spectacle lenses for childhood myopia management.
| Lens | Technology | Main Optical Approach |
|---|---|---|
| ZEISS MyoActive | M.O.V.E. | Dynamic, spatially varying myopic defocus |
| ZEISS MyoCare | C.A.R.E. | Concentric cylindrical annular refractive elements |
| HOYA MiYOSMART | D.I.M.S. | Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments |
| Essilor Stellest | H.A.L.T. | Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target |
| VisionXlab H.O.R.I. | Hexagon Optimized Reticular Integration | Hexagonal lenslet treatment pattern |
All these technologies aim to help slow myopia progression.
However, their clinical studies differ in population, duration, study design and comparison groups.
This makes it inappropriate to directly rank manufacturers’ effectiveness percentages without suitable head-to-head evidence.
The right choice depends on the individual child’s clinical needs.
Why Spectacle-Based Myopia Management May Appeal to Parents
One practical advantage of MyoActive is that it is worn as spectacles.
Children do not need to insert or remove contact lenses.
There is no overnight lens wear or contact lens disinfection routine.
This may be particularly appealing to parents whose children are newly diagnosed with myopia or are not ready for contact lenses.
Benefits
Familiar daily routine: Children already accustomed to spectacles may find them easier to incorporate into everyday activities.
No contact lens handling: There is no need to teach lens insertion, removal or cleaning.
Vision correction and management together: The prescribed spectacles provide clear vision while delivering the intended myopia-management optical design.
Suitable for ongoing monitoring: Prescription and axial-length measurements can help assess treatment response.
Important Limitations
Spectacles must be worn consistently to provide their intended optical signal.
Frames should fit properly and remain stable.
Some children may need time to adapt to specialised treatment zones.
The lens does not guarantee that myopia progression will stop.
How Comfortable Are ZEISS MyoActive Lenses?
ZEISS reported that approximately 98% of study participants adapted fully to MyoActive within one week.
Children also reported favourable visual clarity during the study.
However, ZEISS noted a small reduction in peripheral letter recognition under certain testing conditions.
This matters because specialised myopia-management lenses contain optical zones that differ from ordinary single-vision spectacles.
Some children may notice changes when looking through the peripheral treatment regions.
Professional fitting and appropriate adaptation advice are therefore important.
Parents should inform their optometrist if a child experiences persistent discomfort or difficulty with everyday activities.
Why Consistent Daily Wear Matters
A myopia-management spectacle lens cannot provide its intended treatment effect while it is not being worn.
Children should follow the wearing schedule recommended by their optometrist.
Consistent daily wear is generally important because the optical treatment is designed to act during normal visual activities.
Parents should also ensure that the spectacles fit comfortably and are adjusted when necessary.
If a child frequently removes their spectacles, the optometrist should investigate whether discomfort, poor fit or visual difficulties are contributing.
Successful myopia management involves both an appropriate optical design and practical everyday wear.
Why Malaya Optical Measures Axial Length, Not Just Prescription
At Malaya Optical, we believe myopia management should involve more than updating a child’s spectacle power.
Our optometrists use ocular biometry, including the ARK Biometer Combo, to monitor axial length in our myopia-management patients.
Axial length measures the eye from front to back.
Excessive axial elongation is closely associated with childhood myopia progression.
By tracking axial length over time, we can better understand how the child’s eye is growing.
What We Monitor
| Measurement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Refractive prescription | Tracks changes in short-sightedness |
| Axial length | Measures eye growth |
| Progression rate | Helps identify how quickly myopia is changing |
| Baseline measurements | Provides a reference for future reviews |
| Treatment response | Helps evaluate whether management is having the intended effect |
| Wearing habits | Helps interpret treatment adherence |
An Example: Why Eye Growth Matters
Imagine two children with the same prescription of −2.00D.
Both wear myopia-management spectacles.
After six months, their spectacle prescriptions remain similar.
However, one child’s axial length has increased more than the other’s.
If we only check spectacle power, we may miss an important difference in their eye-growth patterns.
This is why axial-length monitoring provides valuable information alongside refraction.
At Malaya Optical, we measure eye growth to help guide myopia-management decisions, rather than relying on spectacle power alone.
How Often Should Children Be Reviewed?
Myopia management is an ongoing process.
A baseline assessment should be completed before starting treatment.
Depending on the child’s age, progression and clinical needs, reviews may be scheduled approximately every three to six months, or at another interval recommended by the optometrist.
During follow-up, our optometrists can evaluate:
- Changes in prescription
- Axial-length measurements
- Rate of progression
- Spectacle fit
- Wearing habits
- Visual comfort
- Whether adjustments to the management plan are appropriate
If progression remains faster than expected, the optometrist may discuss alternative or additional management strategies.
The aim is to use clinical measurements to guide decisions.
Who May Be Suitable for ZEISS MyoActive?
MyoActive is designed for childhood myopia management.
The clinical study included children aged 7–13 years with prescriptions between approximately −0.75D and −5.00D.
These are study inclusion criteria, not necessarily the complete approved prescribing range in Malaysia.
Suitability should be determined through a comprehensive examination and the applicable Malaysian product specifications.
Important considerations include age, prescription, axial length, progression history, astigmatism, family history and the child’s ability to wear spectacles consistently.
Myopia Management for Malaysian Schoolchildren
Children in Malaysia often spend substantial time on near-vision activities.
Schoolwork, tuition, digital learning and recreational screen use can contribute to long periods of close-up visual activity.
Busy urban routines in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya and Puchong may also limit opportunities for outdoor time.
However, myopia is influenced by several factors, including genetics, age and environmental exposure.
Screen use alone should not be described as the sole cause.
Parents can encourage regular outdoor activity, breaks during prolonged near work, comfortable reading distances and regular eye examinations.
These habits support healthy visual routines but do not replace appropriate myopia management when progression is occurring.
The Importance of Early Detection
Children do not always recognise that their distance vision is becoming blurry.
Parents or teachers may notice squinting, difficulty seeing the classroom board, moving closer to screens or frequent prescription changes.
Malaya Optical has participated in eye-screening programmes at both international and government schools.
These experiences reinforce the importance of identifying possible vision problems early.
School screening can identify children who may need further assessment, but it does not replace a comprehensive eye examination.
ZEISS MyoActive vs Ortho-K, Soft Contact Lenses and Atropine
Spectacle lenses are one of several approaches to childhood myopia management.
| Treatment | When Used | Main Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| ZEISS MyoActive | Daytime spectacle wear | No contact lens handling |
| Orthokeratology | Overnight contact lens wear | Requires careful hygiene and appropriate fitting |
| Soft myopia-management contact lenses | Daytime contact lens wear | Requires contact lens handling |
| Low-dose atropine | As medically prescribed | Requires medical prescribing and monitoring |
No single treatment is suitable for every child.
Some families prefer spectacles because they are familiar and convenient.
Others may benefit from contact-lens-based management or medical co-management.
At Malaya Optical, we assess each child’s clinical needs and discuss appropriate options with parents.
Frequently Asked Questions About ZEISS MyoActive
1. What is ZEISS MyoActive?
ZEISS MyoActive is a new-generation myopia-management spectacle lens using M.O.V.E. technology to create varying optical-defocus signals intended to slow childhood myopia progression.
2. Is ZEISS MyoActive an upgrade from MyoCare?
MyoActive represents a newer technological advancement within ZEISS’s myopia-management portfolio. It uses a different optical design based on Dynamic Signal Theory.
3. Is ZEISS MyoCare being discontinued?
There is no verified official announcement that MyoCare is being discontinued. MyoCare remains a separate lens technology with its own clinical research.
4. What does M.O.V.E. stand for?
M.O.V.E. stands for Micro Optical Variable Elements.
5. What is Dynamic Signal Theory?
Dynamic Signal Theory is ZEISS’s approach to creating varying myopic-defocus signals intended to reduce adaptation to repetitive optical stimulation.
6. How effective is ZEISS MyoActive?
ZEISS reports 0.60D less refractive progression and 0.22 mm less axial elongation over one year compared with conventional single-vision spectacles in its clinical trial.
7. Does MyoActive stop myopia completely?
No. The objective is to slow progression. Individual outcomes vary.
8. Can MyoActive cure myopia?
No. It corrects the child’s existing prescription while providing optical treatment intended to help manage further progression.
9. Is MyoActive better than MiYOSMART or Stellest?
There is insufficient direct head-to-head evidence to establish that MyoActive is superior to these technologies for every child.
10. Is MyoActive suitable for young children?
It may be suitable for some children with progressing myopia, depending on their examination and the approved Malaysian product indications.
11. Does my child need to wear MyoActive every day?
Consistent daily wear is important. Follow the wearing schedule recommended by the child’s optometrist.
12. Does my child still need regular eye examinations?
Yes. Prescription, axial length, spectacle fit and treatment response should be reviewed regularly.
13. Why is axial length important?
Axial length measures eye growth. Monitoring changes helps assess myopia progression and treatment response.
14. Is ZEISS MyoActive available in Malaysia?
ZEISS introduced MyoActive internationally in October 2026. Malaysian availability and approved specifications should be confirmed locally.
15. Will Malaya Optical offer ZEISS MyoActive?
ZEISS MyoActive is coming soon to Malaya Optical, with planned availability at all four branches. Parents can enquire about the product while arranging a myopia assessment.
ZEISS MyoActive Is Coming Soon to Malaya Optical Malaysia
Malaya Optical has been caring for the visual needs of Malaysian families since 1957.
Our approach to childhood myopia management combines comprehensive eye examinations, suitable optical technologies and ongoing monitoring.
With a team of optometrists and access to ocular biometry, we focus on understanding each child’s progression rather than simply updating their prescription.
ZEISS MyoActive will soon join our myopia-management spectacle lens options.
Planned availability includes:
- Malaya Optical Jalan Imbi — Kuala Lumpur
- Malaya Optical Damansara Uptown — Petaling Jaya
- Malaya Optical SS15 — Subang Jaya
- Malaya Optical Bandar Puteri — Puchong
Book a Children’s Myopia Assessment
If your child’s prescription continues to increase, a comprehensive assessment can help determine the next step.
Our optometrists can evaluate prescription changes, axial length, progression history and visual needs before discussing appropriate management options.
Book your child’s myopia assessment: https://book.malayaoptical.com
Interested in ZEISS MyoActive?
Although MyoActive is not yet available at our branches, parents are welcome to contact Malaya Optical to enquire about its upcoming availability.
Our team can also discuss currently available myopia-management options while you await the new technology.
Clear vision matters today. Managing myopia progression matters for the years ahead.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace a comprehensive eye examination or individual clinical advice. Myopia-management outcomes vary. Malaysian product availability, prescription ranges and approved indications should be confirmed before prescribing.
Research References
- ZEISS Vision Care. ZEISS Introduces MyoActive. 1 October 2026.
https://www.zeiss.com/vision-care/en/newsroom/news/2026/zeiss-introduces-myoactive.html - ZEISS Myopia Insights Hub. Dynamic Signal Variation: Enhancing Myopia Control by Reducing Adaptation. 6 October 2026.
https://www.zeiss.com/myopia/en/articles–insights/enhancing-myopia-control-by-reducing-adaptation.html - ZEISS Myopia Insights Hub. Novel Spectacle Lens Designs for Myopia Management: High Efficacy With ZEISS MyoActive Lenses. 22 May 2026.
https://www.zeiss.com/myopia/en/articles–insights/high-efficacy-with-zeiss-myoactive-lenses.html - ZEISS Vision Care. ZEISS to Present New Clinical Study Results on Novel Myopia Management Lens ZEISS MyoActive at ARVO 2026. 5 May 2026.
https://www.zeiss.com/vision-care/en/newsroom/news/2026/zeiss-to-present-new-clinical-study-results-at-arvo-2026-.html - ClinicalTrials.gov. Clinical Trial NCT06563700.
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06563700