New proposal for children's "digital stress eye strain": Rohto Eye Vision, the only eye drop in Japan focusing on eye inflammation in children *1, now on sale with BTA formulation

Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka, President: Hidetoshi Segi) will launch "Rohto Eye Vision," eye drops for children that focus on "eye strain due to digital stress*2" caused by the use of digital devices such as smartphones and tablets, on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

With its unique "BTA formulation (Berberine chloride hydrate, Taurine, Sodium azulene sulfonate hydrate)," it comprehensively cares for "eye surface inflammation" that tends to occur when using digital devices. This proposal aims to "support the recovery of children's vision."

*1 Survey based on PMDA website general OTC drugs/controlled drugs information search and JAPIC general OTC drug collection 2025 as of March 2025

*2 Refers to overuse of digital devices, etc.

■ Background of product launch

The digital environment surrounding modern children is expanding rapidly. According to a survey by the Children and Families Agency, internet use among children, including younger age groups, is widely prevalent, with approximately 90% of elementary school students (6-9 years old) using it. *3

Furthermore, the smartphone usage rate among elementary school students aged 10 and over expanded from 49.8% in Reiwa 1 (2019) to 66.7% in Reiwa 6 (2024), and the usage rate of computers and tablets (GIGA terminals) distributed and designated by schools also significantly increased from 50% in the Reiwa 3 (2021) survey to 75.9%. *3

Digital device usage tends to increase with age, with elementary school students aged 10 and over spending an average of approximately 3 hours and 44 minutes per day, indicating that digital exposure further increases with academic progress (*3). In addition, for smartphones, the ratio of exclusive use to shared use reverses at age 10, with the proportion of children's exclusive use exceeding 65%, indicating a change not only in usage time but also in the usage environment itself. *3

The use of digital devices is no longer a temporary trend but has become part of the learning and living infrastructure. On the other hand, eye strain and visual function impact associated with long-term use are emerging as health issues that society as a whole must address. While interest in myopia progression is growing, specific measures to protect children's eye health are currently insufficient.

In particular, eye surface inflammation tends to occur due to reduced blinking when using digital devices, which is one cause of eye strain. However, conventional eye drops for children have primarily focused on addressing symptoms such as "itching" and "redness," and products that target eye strain caused by digital stress have been limited.

Through research and educational activities related to children's eye health, initiatives in the device field, and collaborative projects with local governments, we have continuously addressed issues related to visual function. In today's world, where coexistence with digital devices is a prerequisite, protecting children's vision is an important social theme. Against this background, we developed this product as a new care option that focuses on digital stress.

*3: (Source) Children and Families Agency, Reiwa 6 (2024) Survey on the Actual Conditions of Internet Use by Young People

■ Product Features

① Japan's only (※1) BTA formulation focusing on "inflammatory symptoms" that cause digital fatigue

Rohto's original formulation combining Berberine chloride hydrate (B), Taurine (T), and Sodium azulene sulfonate hydrate (A).

Against "inflammation" that causes digital fatigue,

Suppression: Inflammation...