Dual therapy against myopia progression: MIYOSMART + Low Dose Atropine

by Patrick Ng
Optometrist
Msc Clinical Optometry
28th April 2023

This article is targeted at readers who already have read about myopia control options such as atropine, DIMS lenses (Miyosmart) or myopia control lenses. If you have yet to read about those, it may be better to read about those lenses in the same blog first, before reading this article.

In the last 2 years, it has been our observation that Miyosmart lenses ( DIMS technology) when used in combination with low dose atropine has better results than atropine or Miyosmart standalone. However, we did not take the effort to do a statistical review of records. But the improvement in slowing down myopia progression is noticeable. The ophthalmologists are also noticing that too.

A European myopia control study consisting of 146 kids was concluded in Feb 2023. The study aimed to compare the efficacy of low dose atropine vs DIMS lens vs dual therapy (low dose atropine+ DIMS lens) vs control ( no therapy). The study concluded that dual therapy is the most effective at slowing myopia progression. Both Atropine and DIMS has also slowed myopia progression significantly compared to no treatment. This study confirmed what the industry have noticed with monotherapy vs no therapy and in cases of rapidly progressing myopia, with dual therapy against single therapy.

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0281816

With the findings from this study, we will be more confident to recommend children who have the potential to be highly myopic to start with dual therapy from the onset. Prior to this study, we have erred on the side of caution and start them on monotherapy ( either atropine or DIMS).

It does not mean that every child will need to go through dual therapy. Children with a later onset of myopia or a slower myopia progression will do well enough with a mono therapy. The challenges of dual therapy is that with atropine, even on a lower dose, may result in photophobia due to a slight dilation of the pupils. We had to make do with caps/hats or even clips on sunglasses. But these methods require the child to remember putting them on whilst outdoors.

Miyosmart has now launched Miyosmart SUN. The same DIMS technology, now with photochromatic technology. This means that under the sun, these lenses will change to a darker shade to reduce glare. This makes dual therapy a lot easier for parents and a lot more comfortable for the children. During this launch, HOYA has also announced that regardless the type of lens, Miyosmart or Miyosmart Sun, there will be no price difference! This is quite surprising, as traditionally, photochromatic lenses cost at least 100-200 dollars more than their non photochromatic version. The reason given by the management was that they realized that their lenses was helping a lot of children globally with myopia control, hence for kids for needed dual therapy, they do not want cost to be the deterrent. Sweet!

Speak to your pediatric ophthalmologists or optometrists about your child suitability for dual therapy myopia control. Alternatively, speak to us over WhatsApp @ +6587256911 or email precisionoptics2013@gmail.com

Slow Down Myopia Progression- Abiliti 1 Day by Acuvue

by Patrick Ng,
Optometrist
Msc Clinc Optom (USA)

Covid19 brought about a rapid change in the work and educational landscape. It accelerated digital learning. Although physical lessons have resumed, e-learning has become a part of the education journey. Due to the change from looking at white boards (usually viewed @ more than 3metres, to looking at computer screens ( 80cm or closer), the accommodative load on the eyes has increased by almost 4 times.

Compared to pre Covid19, the primary eye care industry has been witnessing a more rapid progression in myopia. Kids are starting to become myopic at an earlier age and the rate of myopia progression is faster. High myopia is associated with increased risk of eye problems such as retina detachment, glaucoma and maculopathies at an older age. These problems can result in irreversible vision loss. Hence, there is a need to slow down myopia progression in our kids. Spending time outdoor seems to have a protective effect against myopia for those pre-myopes. However, once myopia sets in, outdoor time seems to have little effect in slowing down myopia.

Currently, there are 3 proven methods to slow down myopia.
1) Atropine (prescribed by eye Dr)
2) Myopia control spectacle lenses (Hoya Miyosmart aka DIMS and Essilor Stellest)
3) Contact lenses (Overnight reshaping Ortho k hard lenses and day wear daily disposables, Misight and Abiliti 1 day)

I have written about Atropine, Miyosmart and MiSight before. I will discuss more about Abiliti 1 Day in this article. It is a myth that children are too young to wear contact lenses. We have fitted children from 6 years old onwards as long as their eyes have been assessed to be healthy and the child is able to demonstrate the ability to handle the contact lenses by themselves. Since the myopia control soft contact lenses are daily disposables, the child gets a new clean lens every day, so hygiene is not going to be an issue here.

Previous myopia control contact lens uses a dual focus technology to create a myopic defocus effect on the fovea. This resulted in a slower elongation of the axial length of the eyeball, thus a slower increase in myopia. ( Axial length increases, myopia increases). It is theorized that a larger myopic defocus effect on the fovea has a better effect on myopia control. However, with the dual focus lens, a larger myopic defocus will also significantly decrease the sharpness of images. Hence most of the myopic defocus is around the +2.00D range.

Abiliti 1 day is a daily disposable contact lens developed by Acuvue. It utilizes a RingBoost technology (+7D defocus) for myopia control. It is made with a silicon hydrogel material and smaller diameter for high oxygen permeability, increased wearing comfort as well as easier handling and insertion for young children. The revolutionary RingBoost technology is designed to break the interdependence between vision quality and treatment effect. When light hits the lens, it splits. A portion of this light focuses on the retina to correct vision, allowing your child to see clearly while the rest of light focuses in front of the retina to slow down myopia. Abiliti 1-Day lenses can provide strong myopia treatment while maintaining visual quality. In fact, in as little as 6 months, Abiliti 1-Day reduced axial elongation by 0.105mm on average. Generally speaking, 0.18mm corresponds to approximately 0.5D of myopia.

From our experiences, the lens is easier to insert compared to traditional soft lens. Once the child has adapted to the lenses (as fast as the first few hours and up to 5 days), the visual acuity is much like the usual contact lenses. For children with high astigmatism, a pair of top up glasses will be required. We are excited about this new technology. As much as it is new and in its early days, the first few fits have been excellent. We look forward to share more data once we have reviewed our existing clients who are on this program. It is an option for those who have not responded well/keen on the other options of myopia control. For parents looking for combination therapy with low dose atropine, Abiliti 1 Day lens is an excellent option as it comes with UV protection.

We will update this page whenever there are more new data and findings as well as our own experiences with the lens. Feel free to reach out to us @ 87256911 if you have more questions.

Caring for your eyes during WFM or HBL

Covid19 changed how the world is working and learning. Starting from the circuit breaker in Singapore last year, we experienced new waves of eye-related issues, discomfort pertaining to pro-longed screen time, wearing of mask etc. This article will talk about the common problems that is caused by WFM or HBL.

1. Mask-related eye discomfort
   
   Reason
   Prolonged wearing of ill-fitting face mask results in a constant stream of hot air from our breaths venting upwards, resulting in evaporative dry eyes, causing irritation and decreased vision.
   
   Solution
   Reduce the stream of air by either using a mask with a pliable nose wire or taping up the top of the mask to the bridge. Use of artificial lubricants will help to reduce irritation.
   
2. Digital eye strain
   
   Reason
   Prolonged near work ( not necessary digital devices, can be books or documents) resulting in wide ranging symptoms like headaches, eye-aches, blurred vision, double vision, nausea, dry eyes etc. When one is looking at a near object, your medial rectus contracts to move both your eyes inward to converge and your ciliary muscles contract to focus on the object that you are looking at. Like any other muscles, overuse results in muscle fatigue and cramps. Your brain may also have to cope with an inconsistently sharp image resulting in nausea. Staring at a screen also reduces blink rate, resulting in dry eyes.
   
   Solution
   Take short vision breaks( even looking in the distance for a few seconds is useful) every 20-30 mins.
   Increase your screen working distance to reduce the convergence and accommodation required.
   Lubricate your eyes before, during and after use of the digital device
   Rotate your eyes to stretch your different extra-ocular muscles
   See your optometrist for special computer glasses ( not just blue-ray blockers) to help relax the accommodation
   
   
3. Myopia Progression
   
   Reason
   We have noticed a increase in the rate of myopia progression in children especially those below the age of 12. Extensive near work, limited outdoor time has been linked to myopia progression. With home based learning and circuit breaker, most children have been spending their time at home and using digital devices for both education and leisure. This increases the amount of neat work that they usually do when they are attending school. With parents preoccupied with work at home, the children may also be given more time with the digital devices.
   
   Solution
   We will encourage besides setting breaks for them, parents will also want to consider using the TV instead of near digital devices to entertain the kids. The increase in the viewing distance will help to reduce accommodation, thus reduce the risk of myopia progression. A walk around the estate in the mornings or evenings will also increase dopamine that may help to slow myopia progression.
   
   For children that myopia has already set in or progressing rapidly (more than -1.00D in a year), parents should consider myopia control. There are currently 3 types of myopia control that is proven to slow the rate of myopia progression, atropine eyedrops, special spectacle lenses(Miyosmart) and special contact lenses (Misight & Ortho-k). Reach out to your ophthalmologist or optometrist to see which is best suited for your child.

MIYOSMART – Probably the most effective optical myopia control product

1st published 2019, updated April 2022

MIYOSMART is an optical product invented and designed by Hong Kong Polytechnic University, manufactured by HOYA. It works based on DIMS technology ( Defocus integrated multiple segments). This will create a slight blur at the peripheral view of the lenses (hyperopic defocus, we call it). Hyperopic defocus and has been proven in many clinical research to prevent axial elongation which results in progressing myopia.

Well established products such as Myovision by Zeiss (spectacle lens) , MiSight by Coopervision (contact lenses) works on the same theory. MIYOSMART hyperopic defocus is different from the products mentioned above. It utilizes a honeycomb defocus treatment zone around a 9.1mm clear zone.

Clear viewing zone in the center. Honeycomb like defocus zone at the peripheral

When viewing through the lens, the user will feel a slight blur at the edges of your vision. This blur is slight more noticeable than Myovision. However, in a clinical trial, almost of the children adapted to it within 2 weeks. In the same double masked clinical trial, the results are very good. It slowed down myopia progression by 59% and in 21% of the cases, myopia did not increase in the 2 years clinical trial.* Third year results are currently being collected and analysed and will be out soon.

It has been 3 years since we have started prescribing these lenses and as a simple non invasive method, it has done very well. For the treatment to be most effective, the frame selection is very important. The frame has to be well adjusted and fitted to the face. The glasses serves dual function (treatment as well as corrective) and has to be worn full time. We will also recommend a 6 monthly review so that we can stack on low dose atropine to improve the efficacy if required. Miyosmart and atropine are not mutually exclusive and can be used together in a combination therapy if the child does not have extreme photophobia or sluggish accommodation ( rare in low dose atropine, more common in high dose atropine)

We also frequently have request to have blue filter added onto Miyosmart. However, it is currently not available. (to ensure that the lenses used in the research is identical to what is being prescribed). To date, there is no strong evidence that blue light can increase or decrease the rate of myopia.

In summary, Miyosmart is effective in slowing down myopia progression. It can also be used in tandem with low dose atropine for better efficacy if required. Speak to your optometrist.

Link below for full scientific article

https://bjo.bmj.com/content/early/2019/05/29/bjophthalmol-2018-313739

*

MiSight – myopia control contact lenses

 

MiSight is a new daily disposable contact lens that has been proven to slow down the progression of myopia in children by 59% in a 4 year study done in a few countries. As a non-pharmaceutical option to control myopia, it is a very appealing tool for optometrist.

Currently, to control myopia progression, we have special spectacle lenses (progressives, bifocals, prismatic bifocals, myopic defocus), atropine as well as Ortho-K. The myopia control spectacle lenses will work for certain children who exhibit certain binocular vision anomalies such as convergence excess and accommodative lag. The effectiveness is also contingent on the glasses being well aligned and the child using it correctly.

Atropine treatment seems to work quite well for children especially in higher concentration but parents may be concerned with potential long-term side effects (not established as yet). It also may increase glare as the pupils will be dilated. There is also an associated rebound myopia upon sudden cessation of the drops.

Ortho-k works very well to control myopia but there is always a small but real risk of a bacterial infection. During the treatment period, the lenses must be worn regularly to maintain good vision and myopia control. In the event the child has to stop wearing these lenses, the myopia will creep back resulting in reduced vision during this period. The child has to wear glasses in the interim until lens wear is resumed. The prescription will fluctuate during this period.

MiSight presents another option for us to control myopia progression. It creates a retinal myopic defocus to prevent the eyeball from elongating by using alternating rings of corrective and treatment zone on the contact lens. In a multi-center, double masked 3 year study, kids wearing MiSight lenses shown a 59% reduction in the progression of myopia versus those on regular daily disposable lenses. At the end of the 3 year study, the control group was switched over to the MiSight lenses. At the end of the 4th year, they too exhibited a slow down in the progression of myopia.

This contact lens is only available in a daily disposable to reduce the risk of allergies and infection. MiSight disposable lens uses PC Technology. Phosphorylcholine (PC) molecules attract and bind water to the surface, creating a shield that keeps the lenses clean and functioning properly. The PC molecules also help the lenses remain hydrated, which in turn, help them feel moist and comfortable all day long.

Due to the unique rings of corrective and treatment zone, it will take a few days to get used to it. I have personally tried it on myself to test the vision and comfort, under room lighting images are clear with no physical nor visual discomfort. However, when I enter a dim room, I do notice a slight halo around light sources. The lens stayed comfortable in my eye till I finish work and reach back home.

For children with astigmatism, they will have to make a pair of glasses to correct the residual astigmatism as these lenses do not correct astigmatism. The children can then choose to do wear these glasses in class so that while the treatment is taking place, it does not disrupt their vision in school. As it is a treatment administered through contact lenses, the child has to wear the lenses for 6 days per week to have a good effect on the myopia progression.

This is indeed a very promising lens. It is a safe, comfortable and effective way to slow myopia progression in children. It can also be used in tandem with 0.01% atropine if the 0.01% atropine is not working well enough.  The only drawback that foresee is the cost. A month supply costs $150. We look forward to offering this as another option alongside with the existing ones in the fight against myopia. Call or visit us now to understand more.

 

Patrick Ng Yao Min

Optometrist

Msc Clinical Optometry

Myopia progression in certain binocular vision anomalies

Myopia progression is a hot topic in Singapore. Most people are aware of the almost epidemic proportions of myopia in children here. There are many treatments available ranging from special spectacle lenses to cornea reshaping, more popularly known as OK lenses to atropine eyedrops. However when asked about the reason behind the myopia progression, the finger is usually pointed towards genetics or extensive close up work. In this article, we will try to explain myopia progression caused by 2 binocular vision anomalies. We believe that if the conditions are diagnosed and managed, then myopia progression can be slowed. The signs and symptoms may include, but not limited to the following points

 1) Divergence Excess

Divergence excess is a condition where the eyes tend to drift out when viewing objects in the distance.  In order to correct this drift, the focusing muscle (ciliary muscle) of the eye has to tense up to activate the steering muscle (medial rectus) of the eye to correct the drift. The constant focusing of the ciliary alters in the pressure in vitreous humour of the eye, over a prolonged period causing the elongation of the eyeball.

Signs & Symptoms
The eyes tend to drift outwards during periods of inattentiveness
Diminishing work productivity/ acccuracy with increased time on task
Headaches, usually frontal
Poor hand eye co-ordination

2) Convergence excess

Convergence occurs when both eyes move inwards to focus on an object close up. When we convergence, the ciliary muscles will tense up getting the eye ready to read.  As it name suggest ,  the eyes over convergences when the child focuses on something near. This causes the ciliary muscles to over contract, causing the muscles to go into spasm over a prolonged period. This will eventually cause the elongation of the eyeball.

Signs & Symptoms

The child complains of headaches and blurred distance vision after a period of near work( could be only after 15-20 mins , which in most people is well tolerated).  The child may complain also of dull ache within the eyeball or above the eye around where the brows are.  In some cases, this results in pseudo-myopia (transient myopia).

 

The above 2 conditions can cause myopia to progress quite rapidly and the approach to resolving it can differ. It ranges from special lenses to visual therapy to sometime eyedrops. Once identified and graded, your optometrist can work out a management plan for your child. Close intervals of follow up is preferred to the “annual” eye exam.

These conditions is unlikely be discovered during a routine refraction. It may also be missed in the ophthalmologist clinic. Hence, it is our opinion that a child should always be checked by an optometrist to ensure that the myopia progression can be better managed. The next time when you bring your child for new glasses, speak to your optometrist for more information regarding the 2 conditions.

 

Super food for the eye

Happy New Year, everyone! The resolution for our readers will be to eat clean. Other than sharing what wholesome food is good, we have attached some tasty recipes that are novel to prepare.

Gou qi zi, aka wolfberries, is a herb in Chinese medicinal history known to contain one of the richest sources of lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin are pigments found in the retina that reduce the risks of chronic eye diseases, e.g. age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  The fruit also contains vitamins B, A, C and E, amino acids, trace minerals (i.e. zinc, iron, copper, calcium, selenium, phosphorus and germanium), and more beta carotene than carrots. They are rich in carotenoids which can convert into vitamin A and reduces the free radicals that are harmful to the eye, a process known as anti-oxidation. We will explain more about the role of carotenoids in the later part.

In a clinical study done, it was found that Gou qi zi also helps improve the subjective feelings of general well-being, neurologic, psychological performance and gastrointestinal functions. You can read more about the study here: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study of the general effects of a standardized Lycium barbarum (Goji) Juice, GoChi – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18447631

Chicken Soup with Wolfberries and Red Dates Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 chicken drumsticks, remove skin & fats
• 1 chicken carcass
• 3 stalks codonopsis pilosula (dang shen)
• 100g wolfberries
• 30 red dates
• water to be boiled
• salt to taste

Preparation

1. Blanch the chicken drumsticks and carcass. Set aside.
2. Wash the herbs; codonopsis, wolfberries and red dates. Drain and place in soup pot together with the chicken.
3. Fill with enough water so all ingredients are covered.Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for at least an hour.
4. Season with a little salt, if required.

Blueberries are a good source of vitamins K, C, Manganese, fiber, copper and anti-oxidants. Other than reducing oxidation in the eye, the anthocyanin pigments helps in reducing blood sugars, blood pressures, lowering risk of heart disease and improving cognitive function. Noteworthy to point out is that it also has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-microbial activity that inhibits gram negative bacteria and salmonella based. Its low GI property helps in regulation of blood sugar in diabetics.

Berry yoghurt cereal

Ingredients

• non fat fruit sweetened yoghurt
• 1/2 cup nonfat milk
• 1/4 cup fresh blueberries with strawberries
• 1 medium banana
• 1½ cup chopped ice (optional)
• Cereal of your choice

Preparation

Blend everything together in a big bowl with a spatula.

Last but not least, the legendary food for the eye, carrots. It contains a large amount of beta carotene which belongs to the carotenoids family. Carotenoids are red, orange, or yellow, fat-soluble compounds. Alpha, beta, and gamma carotene are considered pro-vitamins because they can be converted to active vitamin A which can then be converted to retinol, essential for vision. Most would probably know the health benefits of carrots, but do you know that studies have found that consuming carrots for smokers may cause cancer? Key point is smokers should not take carrots in excess. Read more about the contraindications in the Age-related Eye Disease Studies here: https://www.nei.nih.gov/areds2/PatientFAQ

For additional evidence-based side effects of beta carotene for the body you can check this out: http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/beta-carotene/evidence/hrb-20058836

• Sweet potatoes, similar to carrots, are rich in beta-carotene and contain other sources of nutrients like vitamin C, iron, B6 and calcium. Studies have shown that including a minimum of 3-5grams of fat in the consumption increases their absorption.

Oven roasted sweet potato chips with ranch dips

Ingredients

• 3/4 pound sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• Store-bought light ranch dressing

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 220°C. Cut sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick slices; set aside.
2. Combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin.
3. Add sweet potatoes; toss gently to coat. Cover a lightly oiled nonstick baking sheet with a single layer of potatoes; roast, turning once, until golden and tender (about 20 minutes).
4. Serve with store-bought light ranch dressing.

A daily consumption of 5-7 servings of fruits or vegetables is recommended. Remember, everything should be taken in moderation.

It’s time to get into that apron and whip up these nutritious dishes!

Credits to the following websites for the recipes:

http://www.springtomorrow.com/2013/09/10/chicken-soup-with-wolfberries-and-red-dates-recipe/

Written by Ms Quah Hui Min

The See and the Sun

“You can help your children too. Make sure they take frequent breaks from homework. Don’t let them spend too much time playing computer games or watching TV . During this school break, why not take them out to enjoy our beautiful parks, beaches and gardens?”- PM LEE on his FB

When a person is exposed to sunlight, our body secretes a chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine is theorized to inhibit the abnormal growth of the eyeball, thus reducing the progression of myopia. Studies have shown that children who spend an average of 2 hours under the sun daily, has a lower rate of myopia progression.

In this post, we will feature a few outdoor activities that you can bring your children to

1) Botanic Garden

It’s a lovely place, especially so on weekday mornings and evenings for the children to roam in the wide, lush greenery. Mummy could pack a picnic basket and daddy can lug a small cooler box to enjoy a picnic. You can bask under the soft glow of the evening sun, letting the cool breeze carrying away the day to day stress. For those who do not mind paying, Food for Thought have a rent a picnic basket that you can check out.

http://www.foodforthought.com.sg/restaurant.php?branch=sbg

2) Pulau Ubin

A trip back to ulu-ness.. (well almost) before the landscape changes again. Taking a bumboat ride can be quite an experience for the city kids. Only a short distance away, seasickness should be of no/minor issue to parents. Once on the Ubin, parents would feel that we have been transported back to the days they were teens. ( you have been there when you were young, haven’t you? ) The modus operandi of getting around in Ubin is the humble bicycle. Yep, THE humble bicycle.. no expensive road bikes whizzing around at 40km/hr. There are different types of bicycles available to suit the family needs

http://www.wildsingapore.com/ubin/index.html

3) Rock Climbing/Abseiling

For parents with older kids who may want a more challenging activity, consider this. There are many places that offer rock climbing. Safra is one place most dads would be fairly familiar with. They also offer other activities such as abseiling and canopy walk.

http://www.safra.sg/Enjoy/SAFRA-Adventure-Sports-Centre.aspx#.VG8NlvmUchF

4) Fly under the Sun

Warning! This is one expensive family trip…. but it sure seems like fun. We haven’t tried it yet, but would love to someday. Apparently, one would “fly” with the aid of water propulsion! There are of course more sedate water activities you can do, but it all seems a bore relative to this. Let us know if you do try this out! Make sure you secure your glasses though!!

http://www.seabreeze.com.sg/about.html

5) East Coast Park

One of the usual haunts for families. You can fish, you can bike and you can build sandcastles. Of course, after sweating it all out, dinner at the Lagoon would be a great way to end the exhausting day.

http://www.singaporekidsplaces.com/2008/03/east-coast-sand-castles.html

6) Parkour

Now… this is very different from the activities listed before. A good workout for the heart (of Mums) and the body.

http://superflymonkeydragons.com/

There are many other activities such as Universal Studio, Luge at Sentosa, swimming needs no introduction/reminder.  Enjoy the holidays! And when the school term approaches, remember to pay us a visit to have your kids eyes checked!

Effect of Blue Light on our eyes and body

” Blue light”  will be the next ultraviolet as the wave of technological advances creates a digital addiction that exposes us to more blue light than our parents ever were.

Blue light exists as part of the normal visible light spectrum; Like in sunlight. Blue-Violet light are short wavelength light rays that makes the sky look nice and blue, making us feel uplifted and refreshed. However, Blue light also activates the photoreceptor cells, that in turn triggers the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus that to suppress the production of melatonin. (Wordy sentences filled with Jargon seems to do the exact opposite. 🙂 )

These days with our environment filled with energy saving white light, LED lights coupled with the fact that our eyes are glued to tablet/ mobile phone that you are now using disrupt of circadian rhythm. This lowers the quality and quantity of lower sleep. Not only that, the constant exposure to short energy blue violet light may be linked to cataract and an increased risk of macular disorders such as age-related macular degeneration. 

Lens Manuafacturers ( Essilor Prevencia, Nikon Seecoat Blue and Hoya Blue Control) have come out with an assortment of lens coating that is supposed to help. These special reflective coating has a bluish violet reflection. These reflection are the reflected short wavelength light rays on the light spectrum that passes through the lenses. Hence, such lenses will reduce the amount of blue light entering your eyes.

That said, these lenses will alter your perception of color and may not be suitable for use in situations whereby precision in color is required.

Choosing a frame for your child

So, now your child has to wear glasses…. so, how to go about it? Parents are swamped with a myriad of options when it comes to making glasses for your child.  There are so many considerations. We have to factor in frame materials and even paintwork so that they will not have an outbreak of dermatitis. The fitting of the glasses has to be stable and not sliding down the nose bridge. And not forgetting the durability of the glasses. After choosing the frames, oh we are presented with again a multitude of different brands of lenses and different coatings and technology that serves only one purpose… confuse us….

In this post, we will attempt to introduce some brands of glasses that has worked well ( sometimes in different ways) for our young customers.

Frames

Ideal for babies/preschoolers/ active children/ high prescription

Tomato glasses(Korean)

Made with Grilamid, these Tomato frames are flexible and durable. They come in many different colors and sizes to even babies to about Primary 6. They are also fitted with a silicon saddle bridge that makes the glasses almost slip resistant. The curved temple hooks can be supplemented with a snap on strap to enhance the anti-slip, very useful in children who are very active.

The nature of such glasses makes it our frame our choice for those looking for a non compromised fit.

Swissflex (Swiss)

Perhaps one of the most famous brand for kids. Made with polyamide. It is supremely light and flexible. It has no metal screws that may hurt your child when the glasses gets damaged.  It is also fitted with a semi hard plastic saddle bridge that will not discolor like the regular silicon nosepads. Swissflex has to be adjusted well so that the fit will be optimal. We have seen more than a few kids with poorly adjusted Swissflex that does the brand little justice.

It is ideal for children who wants the glasses to be very light.

Crocs Eyewear (made in Korea)

It is made of TR90 with a fixed bridge. It is light weight and durable. It comes in many different colors and shapes to fit most children from the age of 6 onwards. It is also reasonably priced.

It is ideal for parents looking for a economical yet well fitting pair of glasses for their child.

Mini Zio

By combining stainless steel and plastic into children’s frames, they have came up with a very a robust frame for the young ones. It helps that they look good as well. Comes in many shapes and colors.

Lafont Kids (French)

Unique and stylish, you wouldn’t expect anything less from the French, would you? Made with quality steel and plastic, the position of the nosepads were given plenty of thought to ensure good centration of the eyes when worn. The strong material also means that the nosepads are less likely to get distorted like the cheaper metal frames. Great for the fashionistas! Who says kids glasses are boring?