Menicon Co., Ltd. (Head Office: 21-19, Aoi 3, Naka-ku, Nagoya; Director, President, and CEO: Koji Kawaura) announced that the scleral lens “Time XL” manufactured by Menicon B.V. (hereinafter referred to as MNL), our manufacturing subsidiary in the Netherlands, was approved as a medical device by the National Medical Products Administration in China (NMPA).
“Time XL,” which is approved this time, is a special RGP lens called a scleral lens. It is a large size RGP lens that covers the sclera (white of the eye), while a common RGP lens is smaller than the cornea (iris). Because of the structure in which the lens is supported by the sclera, the lens does not directly touch the cornea. Since lacrimal fluid is retained between the cornea and the lens, it is expected to provide more stable vision correction and wearing comfort even for those with an irregular cornea with a special corneal shape, particularly for those who have difficulty using ordinary RGP lenses.
China is one of the countries with the highest number of patients with irregular cornea such as keratoconus. However, they have been provided limited correction options that can address these advanced cases. Introduction of “Time XL”—manufactured by MNL and with a solid track record in the US and European markets—to the Chinese market has a major significance to improve the quality of vision (QOV) and quality of life (QOL) of patients for whom appropriate correction methods were not available.
During future sales expansion, we will maximally use the global knowledge of the Menicon Group and the strong network cultivated in China and build an appropriate prescription and stable supply system. Since the prescription of scleral lenses requires specialized fitting techniques, we will actively hold educational seminars for local ophthalmologists and provide continuous support regarding prescription techniques to establish an appropriate prescription system. In addition, we will gradually expand the network of base institutions that can handle advanced cases by strengthening cooperation with major university hospitals and ophthalmology hospitals in China. Through the dissemination and sales expansion of “Time XL,” we will contribute to further improvement of the QOV and QOC of patients as a company supporting the people’s “Miru” (sharing of enjoyment and joy through the five senses).
“Time XL” website (English)
https://www.menicon.com/professional/products/specialty-lenses/menicon-time-xl