Post-market Surveillance Analysis of Refractive Data in Users of Delivery Tyro®, a Tyrosine-Releasing Contact Lens

Myopia is a growing public health concern, particularly among young individuals. Several pharmacological and optical interventions exist to slow its progression, yet each has limitations. In January 2021, Safilens introduced the Delivery Tyro® daily disposable contact lens, which releases hyaluronic acid, tamarind seed polysaccharide, and tyrosine, a dopamine precursor with antioxidative and cytoprotective properties. This study analyzed post-market surveillance data collected by 55 optometrists from 241 myopic subjects (mean age, 14.73 years; mean initial spherical equivalent (SE) refraction, − 2.72 diopters [D]) over a 12-month period of bilateral Delivery Tyro® lens use. The purpose of the analysis was to compare the observed myopia progression in Delivery Tyro® users with expected rates based on control SE refraction data derived from meta-analyses of similar age and ethnic cohorts. Delivery Tyro® users experienced slower rates of myopia progression than expected. After 12 months of lens wear, the average change in SE was a − 0.04 D compared with the expected change of − 0.28 D from the reference control group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, 94% of eyes exhibited no significant change in SE (defined as a change of − 0.25 D or less). These findings support the hypothesis that Delivery Tyro® may reduce myopia progression, likely attributable to the release of tyrosine during lens wear, either due to its antioxidative properties or its role as a precursor of dopamine, a key neurotransmitter in the retina involved in visual signaling, and refractive development. Given the convenience of daily disposable lenses, Delivery Tyro® may offer a practical solution for myopia management, particularly for young patients at elevated risk of rapid myopia progression due to genetic and environmental factors. Further confirmation of the efficacy of Delivery Tyro® through controlled, randomized clinical trials is warranted. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common, especially among young people. If left unchecked, it can lead to potentially serious vision problems later in life. While some treatments, such as specialized glasses, contact lenses, or low-dose atropine eye drops, can slow myopia progression, each has its limitations. In January 2021, Safilens introduced the Delivery Tyro® daily disposable contact lens, designed to release beneficial substances into the eye. These include hyaluronic acid (for moisture), tamarind seed polysaccharide (for comfort), and tyrosine with antioxidative properties and precursor of dopamine production, which plays a role in eye growth regulation. Originally designed as a post-marketing surveillance study to assess lens tolerability and the occurrence of adverse effects, this investigation utilized real-world data collected by 55 optometrists. During data analysis, researchers observed a potential slowing of myopia progression and subsequently conducted a targeted evaluation of the relevant outcomes. A total of 241 young myopic individuals (average age 14.7 years) wore the lenses for up to 12 months. The authors compared their changes in spherical equivalent (SE), equal to the sum of the sphere power plus one-half the cylindrical power, with expected SE myopia progression rates derived from a virtual control group obtained by analyzing the progression of myopia from published scientific data. The results were promising. After 12 months, those using Delivery Tyro® lenses experienced an 85% lower rate of myopia progression than expected. Additionally, 94% of eyes showed no significant increase in spherical equivalent. These findings suggest that Delivery Tyro® lenses may help slow myopia progression, potentially as a result of the controlled release of tyrosine. As daily disposable lenses are easy to use, they could be a practical solution for young people at risk of myopia progression. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits.