DO YOU WORK AT A COMPUTER, SMARTPHONE OR TABLET FOR LONG PERIODS EVERYDAY? Read on to find out how you could protect yourself from digital eyestrain and bluelight emission!

Amid Coronavirus concerns, most companies have recommended that employees work from home for the foreseeable future, and more will likely follow suit in the coming weeks. Although this was done as a cautionary measure, we can expect more people to be working from home going forward. Children are also spending more time in front of digital devices due to the Home Based Learning Program. Common eye issues such as eye strain & fatigue, were more prominent to many while working from home.

The frequent use of digital mobile devices is challenging on the human eye. With the constantly growing use of digital screens, the number of daily cycles switching from far to near vision and back has increased considerably. ZEISS Digital Lenses offer the perfect remedy by enabling fast, comfortable focusing thanks a specially optimized near zone – no matter where we look. These lenses are ideal not only for digital devices, but also for reading books and magazines.

Add-on BLUE LIGHT protection - Additional visual comfort in artificial light.

These days, we are exposed to more blue light than ever before due to the constant use of modern displays. Modern light sources emit more blue light than we've ever experienced before. Many people find this light unpleasant and stressful because it adversely impacts our biorhythms and may even be dangerous for our eyes. A blue light filter in the spectacle lens can provide you with more comfortable vision.

In brief: what are the sources of blue light?
Blue-violet light reaches the eye in different ways. It's a component of sunlight, but is also emitted by mobile phone displays, computer monitors and televisions as well as LED and energy-saving light bulbs – at different intensities. (for eg a smartphone, an LED lamp, a monitor, TV, tablet or an e-reader)

The Good and the Bad blue light

BAD - Increased risk of retinal disease
Studies suggest that long exposure to blue light below 460 nm (with a maximum at 440 nm) may lead to photochemical damage of the retina. This damage may constitute a risk of macular degeneration in the long term. Too much light in the ultraviolet and blue-violet bands can permanently damage the human eye. As well as leading to painful inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea, it can also cause damage to the eye's crystalline lens (e.g. cataracts) and especially to the retina (macular degeneration).

GOOD - Controlling our biorhythm
On the other hand, some studies have shown that blue light in the range between 400 and 520 nm (with a maximum at 460 nm) is very important for regulating the level of melatonin and therefore for controlling our biorhythm and wellbeing.

It is a new coating for clear lenses featuring a blue filter which attenuates the blue light in the range from 390 to 440 nm – without compromising the positive properties of blue light in the range from 450 to 500 nm.

We feel that it is the perfect solution to wearers who have misgivings concerning the potentially harmful effects of blue-violet light indoors and who are looking for the appropriate protection.

credits:
https://www.zeiss.com.sg/vision-care/eye-care-professionals/products/coatings/duravision-blueprotect.html

Today’s mobile technology and on-the-move lifestyles are stressing our eyes. Frequent gaze changes to and from smart devices can lead to eyestrain. ZEISS SmartLife Lenses are specially designed to support quick and easy peripheral vision for all-day comfort.

ZEISS SmartLife is a complete premium lens portfolio for consumers of all ages. In addition to offering tailor-made corrective solutions, the lenses are designed for modern, dynamic, connected and on-the-move lifestyles and the associated visual behavior.

ZEISS SmartLife was designed using the latest scientific knowledge and innovations. The core technology used in the ZEISS SmartLife range is called ZEISS SmartView technology. These cutting-edge innovations can be attributed to ZEISS's know-how and tried-and-tested technologies. ZEISS SmartView technology consists of four cornerstones:


1. Smart Dynamic Optics = ZEISS uses state-of-the-art 3D object-space-models and design fingerprints adapted to today’s dynamic visual behavior.

Smart Dynamic Optics is the fundamental design concept used in ZEISS SmartLife Lenses. The design is based on binocular vision for today’s dynamic visual behavior. The key consideration is the relationship between the inclination (today the lower lens area is used more often) and the object distance/ viewing distance (which has become increasingly closer for the lower lens area). A three-dimensional object-space model is used to design the lens, which takes into account the distance, direction and inclination in relation to the spectacle lens within.

This is the first time that ZEISS has used this three-dimensional model for single vision lenses, too, enabling ZEISS SmartLife to provide optimal near and far-distance vision for this group of consumers

Next to the three-dimensional object-space-model, ZEISS SmartLife Digital and Progressive lenses use new design fingerprints (distribution of the vision zones). Both the three-dimensional object-space-model and the new design fingerprint takes the dynamic visual behavior from near to far into account which leads to a smoother transition into the lens periphery with less perceived blur.

2. Age Intelligence = considers the evolving vision needs in every age of the lens wearer.

Today's lifestyle is the same for people of all ages, just like the desire to see well. However, the eye and visual capabilities change continuously with age. There are two main factors:

1. On the one hand, the eye lens gradually becomes less flexible with age, meaning that it loses its ability to accommodate – i.e. focus on near objects.
2. Meanwhile, the pupil is not able to dilate as effectively, causing it to become smaller. In order to ensure optimal vision for all ages, these individual aspects need to be considered in the lens design. This is the aim of ZEISS SmartLife.
   

Further optical optimization is done based on the average pupil size of a person's age group. As we age our pupil's ability to dilate decreases. For optimization of the lens surface, ZEISS factors in the age-specific pupil size to determine average luminance throughout the day - this is called ZEISS Luminance Design Technology 2.0.

3. Clear Optics = Maximum precision with an advanced eye lens system, point-by-point lens calculation and the latest freeform technology.

This is achieved with:

• High precision in an advanced lens-eye-system.
• High precision with the point-by-point lens calculation.
• High precision & leading edge in advanced freeform production.
  

4. Thin Optics = Best balance between optics and thin and light lenses

ZEISS SmartLife Lenses provide consumers with a personalized solution designed for modern, on-the-move and connected lifestyles. Clear and simple communication enables consumers to come to an informed decision.

Performance and consumer acceptance tests have also highlighted additional benefits for the whole portfolio or for single categories:

• According to 84% of the asked consumers, ZEISS SmartLife provides all-day visual comfort to balance their connected and on-the-move lifestyle.
• 9 out of 10 consumers rated the quality of vision as positive.
• At least 84% of all tested consumers reported relaxed vision in all directions and distances.
  

credits:
https://www.zeiss.com/vision-care/us/for-eye-care-professionals/products/eyeglass-lenses/smartlife-lenses.html#smart
https://www.zeiss.com/vision-care/int/about-us/newsroom/news-overview/2019/zeiss-smartlife-fact-sheet.html

The prevalence of myopia is increasing worldwide, and researchers internationally have been investigating methods to slow down its progression to prevent sight-threatening complications.

Parents tend to prefer ophthalmic lenses over contact lenses for their young children during the early stage of myopia development, but are more open to considering contact lenses once their child reaches eight or nine years of age. This may relate to concerns regarding safety and compliance.

Today, there is an increasing array of spectacle lens designs for myopia control. One innovative design on the horizon, which combines both multifocal and different defocus zones, is Hoya’s MiyoSmart lens, developed in collaboration with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University after years of research, product design and testing. Known as the DIMS design (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments Technology), it won multiple awards in 2018.

MiyoSmart with D.I.M.S. technology is comprised of a central optical zone for correcting refractive error and multiple defocus segments evenly surrounding the central zone (extending to the mid-periphery) of the lens to slow down myopia progression by 60%*. In 2018, it was awarded the prestigious Grand Prize, Grand Award and Special Gold Award at the 46th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva, Switzerland.

Daily wear of the DIMS lens significantly slowed myopia progression and axial elongation in myopic schoolchildren as compared with wearing single vision spectacle lenses. DIMS and Single vision lenses could hardly be differentiated by their appearance unless the lens was tilted and the multiple segments may be observed from the reflection of a light source. Most children were not aware of the multiple segments features. A few children in the treatment group might recognize the multiple segments but they had no particular difficulties in using the lens as their previous spectacle lenses.

Manufactured from an impact-resistant material with UV protection, this new technology has proven to be effective, easy to adapt and a non-invasive solution for myopia management.

References from:
https://bjo.bmj.com/content/early/2019/05/29/bjophthalmol-2018-313739
https://www.mivision.com.au/2019/12/myopia-options-for-optical-control/

The rate of success for modern progressive lenses is nowadays extremely high. Nevertheless, it is important that the wearer takes time to get used to their new progressive lenses. The eye and the brain have to learn to adjust to the different refractive powers of the lenses. Here are some of the tips to enjoy clear vision at all distances with your progressive lenses.

Progressive lenses are absolutely the best option for maintaining perfect vision at all distances. Wearers who have got used to them do not like to be without these high-tech lenses. Though wearers should be aware of a few things, in order to obtain the greatest wearing satisfaction from their spectacles.

1. Position your glasses correctly

2. View distant objects through the Distance area of the lens

3. Make it a habit to face the object you want to view

4. Keep your head upright when reading

5. Make sure your computer screen is just below your eye level

6. When navigating the stairs, use the Distance area of the lens

Having a personal consultation with an eyecare professional is essential as every individual is unique in terms of their viewing behavior and work requirements. As a result, a qualified eyecare professional will do an exact eye care analysis. For example, he will ask, about your job and hobbies, in order to get an idea of your viewing habits. Your posture and the shape of your head are also taken in consideration during the consultation.

Precise vision testing plays a special role in making progressive lenses work perfectly. Not only are both eyes individually measured, binocular vision is also tested to determine the necessary lens power. Only by doing this can the suitable reading and distance powers be determined.

Precise fitting measurements are also necessary. The center of the pupil must be aligned to the center of the spectacle lens in order for the lens to work properly. For more sophisticated progressive lenses, additional measurements may be needed.

Contrary to off-the-shelves reading glasses or 'edge-on-the-spot' glasses, progressive lenses are highly customizable optical aids for individuals, and  understanding of the various products in the market are essential in choosing the right lenses. After all, a good progressive lens can only perform optimally it is precisely tailored to his or her personal needs and visual performance. Especially for patients purchasing their first pair of glasses it is important to receive a lens that provides immediate wearer tolerance and is good value for the money. The process is much like buying a new car – you can choose from different levels of quality, depending on how high your prescription is for near and far vision and on the purposes for which you intend to use your new progressive lenses.

Be sure to make an appointment, spend some time understanding the lens options available that suit your daily lifestyle, and have a proper and professional progressive fitting by your eye-care professionals.


credits:
https://www.zeiss.com.sg/vision-care/better-vision/driving-mobility/simply-see-better-with-progressive-lenses-.html
https://www.zeiss.com.sg/vision-care/better-vision/driving-mobility/tips-for-better-wearing-comfort-of-progressive-lenses.html

There's a perfect pair of sunglasses for any occasion. A good pair of sunglasses isn't just a stylish accessory – it also helps provide optimum vision in bright sunlight and protects your eyes from harmful UV radiation.

Protection, style and convenience all year long

A good pair of sunglasses means you'll only enjoy the sunny side of life. However, this requires sunglass lenses that accommodate your needs and daily routines. Keep in mind that the better the fit to the individual wearer, the more comfortable the sunglasses are to wear. So if your eyes are sensitive to bright light, then you should choose a somewhat darker tint. Bright and gradient tints are ideal on cloudy days with little sunlight, whereas dark tints protect your eyes in strong sunshine.

Which sunglasses are right for which situation?

Basically, we differentiate between three main situations where you need sunglasses: for the city, driving, and sports. There is an optimum tint intensity for any given situation so that your sunglasses are neither to dark nor to bright. You can choose from tint levels ranging from 0 to 97 percent light absorption – in line with the light intensity and when you'll be wearing your sunglasses.

The perfect companion when shopping - and a stylish accessory while indoors: for cloudy days out and about in the city or when inside, sunglasses lenses with a light absorption of 0 to 20 percent are optimally suited for the urban environment.

The sky might be cloudy, but every now and again the sun peeks through: on those days with a but of sunshine, sunglasses lenses with mid-range light absorption of 20 to 60 percent are perfect for spending time in the city.

When spending time on the water and at the beach with mid-range light intensity,we suggest you get sunglasses lenses with 57 to 82 percent light absorption. Perfect for blue skies and bright sunshine weather condition.

The best option for cyclists is ZEISS sunglass lenses with light absorption between 57 and 82, a somewhat brighter tint. Amber and rose for eg, have proved ideal when biking and in little to no sunlight: these bright, high contrast tints enable the eye to quickly and clearly identify tiny details - even in limited light.

A good pair of sunglasses for golfers should not only darken, but improve contrast perception at the same time. In particular light to dark purple or yellow orange tints increase contrast on green surfaces, optimizing contrast perception and enhancing contours on the fairway. Sunglasses lenses with light absorpbtion of 40 percent or 75 and 25 percent(gradient) are well-suited for golfers.

For optimum vision when sitting behind the wheel, your sunglasses lenses must have a polarization filter to reduce distracting glare(caused by sunlight or reflections on the wet road) along with a tint suitable for driving. It is recommended that drivers get sunglasses lenses or regular spectacles lenses with 57 to 92 percent light absorption.

Being on the water poses several different challengers to our eyes. The surface of the water reflects the sunlight, often resulting in irritating glare and reflections. Water sports aficionados like surfers and sailing enthusiast benefit from sunglasses lenses with an integrated popularization filter and a mirror coating. This minimizes irritating glare and ensures unimpeded vision. When it comes to tints for spending time on the water: generally, light absorption between 57 and 92 percent is ideal.

Whether you're hitting the slopes, climbing or mountaineering, having a good pair of sunglasses is an absolute must! At high elevations such as up in the mountains, we need to protect our eyes from damage caused by UV radiation as harmful levels of UV light are generally present even if the sky is cloudy or foggy. In extreme light conditions, such as on a glacier at extremely high altitudes, sunglasses with light absorption of 80 to 95 present and a very dark tint are the way to go. Wrapped lenses and frames are also recommended to prevent light entering from the side.

credits to:
https://www.zeiss.com.sg/vision-care/better-vision/health-prevention/what-sunglasses-are-right-for-your-favourite-activity.html#1
https://www.zeiss.com.sg/vision-care/spectacle-lenses-from-zeiss/sunglass-lenses.html

Spectacle wearers love that great feeling when they put on their glasses after cleaning and enjoy unhindered vision again. Wouldn't it be wonderful if our glasses were always clean and smears, streaks and fingerprints were a thing of the past?

Proper lens care does not only ensure better vision, it also lengthens the lifetime of your glasses. Improper cleaning can also damage modern lenses even if they have an anti-scratch hard coating.

Cleaning your glasses properly – what to do

• You should start by rinsing lenses with tap water gently over the surface to first remove coarse dirt particles.
• Use a clean cotton cloth to gently dab the water away, follow up with a microfibre cloth to clean up the lenses

or alternatively,

you can also use ZEISS LENS WIPES - the perfect solution for thorough cleaning of your glasses at home and for fast but effective cleaning when you are out and about. The moistened cleaning wipes are made of micro-fine cellulose fibres, gentle on your lenses, provide streak-free results and, most importantly, do not contain any other chemcial agents. Incidentally, they are also ideal for cleaning your smartphone or tablet display - all streak-free. They take up practically no space and are immediately ready for use.

Cleaning your frames – what do the experts recommend?

Improper care may also result in damage to your frames. The following tips will ensure that your frames remain as attractive as the day you bought them:

• Lukewarm, running water and a drop of ph-neutral washing-up liquid provide good cleaning results. Always hold your glasses on the side of the frames you are cleaning. This helps avoid warping or, even worse, breakage of the frames.

 

• For reasons of hygiene, it is also recommended to clean the sides of the frames and the nosepads from time to time. This also improves the fit of your glasses as the removal of greasy substances helps prevent slipping.

Give your glasses an occasional treat: the special care offered by an ultrasonic cleaner

The use of ultrasonic cleaners (available online and from specialist stores) at home or by your optician is your best guarantee of thorough, convenient cleaning. This is the gentlest and most effective way of removing dirt. Just a couple of minutes are needed to restore your lenses and frames to their former glory. Important: don't forget to change the water in the cleaner regularly.

And if you don't want to invest in your own device, your opticians will be pleased to clean your lenses in their ultrasonic cleaner - ideally every six months. This is part of optical store's standard equipment these days.

• Do not use tissues, paper towels or toilet paper on your lenses. These can scratch or smear your lenses and leave them full of lint.       
  
• Do not apply washing detergent or household cleaners directly onto the lenses surface. These can damage the protective coatings on your lenses.                                                           
• Cleaning lenses with your clothing is not ideal, as many fabrics are abrasive to lenses. Clothes have dust and oils on them that can lead to scratched, especially when they are dry.

How to keep your glasses cleaner and scratch-free longer

Not only perfect lens care ensures optimum vision but also, of course, the lens itself. Special lens coatings with a hard protective layer and a beading effect (like DuraVision® Platinum from ZEISS) make your lenses extremely resistant to scratching and help guarantee that dirt, dust and moisture can only adhere to the surface with great difficulty. The benefit: your lenses remain dirt-free for longer, ensuring that they're significantly easier to clean. This means you also need less time to care for your lenses - and they will have a longer service life.


The right way to store your glasses

Your glasses deserve a good home! Store them in a hard case whenever you're not wearing them. If you don't have a case with you, make sure you put them in a safe spot, with the lenses facing upwards. It is also important to ensure that your glasses are not exposed to extreme heat. Temperatures of over 80 degrees centigrade can damage even the toughest lenses or frames. Plastic lenses, in particular, should not be subjected to high temperatures. This could have an adverse effect on the durability of lens coatings (the anti-reflective coating, for example). Extreme temperature fluctuations could lead to surface cracks due to the different structures of the base lens and the coating. Therefore, neither your case nor your spectacles should be left for long periods of time in a sauna or on your car dashboard in the summer.

credits:
https://www.zeiss.com.sg/vision-care/better-vision/health-prevention/what-s-the-right-way-to-clean-and-treat-your-glasses-.html

Glasses do more than improve your vision - they are an extension of your personality!

To determine your face shape and which eyeglass styles will look best on you, pull your hair away from your face and look directly into a mirror. Take a close look at the overall shape and contours of your face and head.

To give balance and proportion to the face, the frame shape should always contrast with the face shape. I.e Choose an angular shaped frame if you have a round face face.

To make a round face appear thinner and longer, try angular narrow eyeglass frames to lengthen the face. Frames with a clear bridge and rectangular frames that are wider than they are deep also can be good choices.

To maintain the natural balance of an oval face shape, look for eyeglass frames that are as wide as (or wider than) the broadest part of the face. Walnut-shaped frames that are not too deep or narrow are a very good choice.

A square face shape has a strong jaw and a broad forehead, and the width and length of the face have roughly the same proportions. To make a square face look longer and soften its angles, try narrow frame styles, frames that have more width than depth, and narrow ovals.

A base-down triangular face shape has a narrow forehead and widens at the cheek and chin areas. To add width and emphasize the narrow upper third of the face, try frames that are heavily accented with color and detailing on the top half (brow) of the frame. Frames with cat-eye shapes also can be good choices.

Features of a heart face include broad forehead, wide cheekbones but narrow, small chin. Similar to people with a base-up triangle face, heart-faced people need to choose frames that add width to the lower facial section. Narrow, round frames can soften the forehead.

To help you find the perfect glasses for your face shape and coloring, first get your eyeglass prescription updated by scheduling an eye exam with an optometrist near you.

credits:
https://www.quora.com/What-shape-of-sunglasses-should-people-with-round-faces

https://www.allaboutvision.com/eyeglasses/eyeglasses_shape_color_analysis.htm

Myopia, also known as shortsightedness, is when your child sees nearby objects clearly but vision is blurred in the distance.

You can recognized it when your child complains about eye strain or if they squint. The progression of myopia can lead to high myopia and as a result, to a higher risk of other eye problems

How do you treat myopia progression in children?

There are multiple options for treating myopia progression in kids: with contact lenses that the child only wears at night, soft contact lenses for during the day, eye drops and special spectacle lenses – the latter tends to be the most comfortable treatment method for young patients.

The following methods are available for treating progressive myopia in children

1). Wearing rigid contact lenses at night

With this type of myopia treatment, the child wears orthokeratology contact lenses or 'ortho-k' for short, while sleeping. These reshape the cornea during the night and are then removed the next morning.

This addresses the correction of myopia, by slowing down the elongation of the eye and thus the progression of the myopia as well.

Multifocal design with different powers and are worn like normal contacts during the day. The wearer only sees distant objects clearly through several sections, while other sections of the contact lenses only have any corrective power for near objects.

This special geometry sends signals to the eye that can help with controlling myopia.

Important information: in order to prevent bacterial eye infections, the wearer must observe basic hygiene when caring for their contact lenses. This definitely requires special care and assistance from the child's parents, since handling contact lenses can be quite a challenge for young patients.

Pharmaceuticals provide an alternative approach, such as in the form of low-dose atropine eye drops. These don't restore perfect vision, but they help reduce further myopia progression as long as the therapy is continued. However, the long-term side effects and permanent efficacy are not currently known.

Special myopia management spectacle lenses, such as those in the Myopia Management Portfolio from ZEISS, are a convenient method for treating progressive myopia in children.

These lenses are designed for treating the progression of myopia and are probably the most comfortable solution for a young patient. Studies have shown that lenses specially designed for myopia management are a better solution than standard single vision lenses.*

No matter the particular treatment, lifestyle also has a strong impact on the health of our eyes: studies have shown that myopia is less common amongst children who spend a lot of time outdoors or, if a child is myopic, it progresses more slowly.

Outdoor activities
Studies show that children who are active outdoors have lower risk and lower progresion of myopia. A minimum 1.5hrs a day spent outdoors is recommended

Take Visual breaks
Follow the 20-20-20 rule, For every 20 mins of near work, rest your eyes for 20 seconds, looking at something 20 feet away

Keep digital devices at a distance
Hold your digital devices at least 30cm away. Avoid lying down while using your digital devices

Sufficient sleep
Go to bed early! Have at least 9 hrs of sleep a day.

Good reading posture and habits
Sit upright when reading and avoid lying down. Hold reading material at least 30cm away.

Healthy balanced diet
Nutrients influence the proper development for the visual system, so remember to have a healthy balanced diet.

Ample lighting
Good lighting is essential for all activities, from reading and leaning to playing. Always make sure that your child has enough light and void reading in the dark.

Regular eye checks
Visit your eyecare professional once every 6 months, to better manage your child's myopia condition so they are always well taken care of.

credits: www.zeiss.com.sg/vision-care/spectacle-lenses-from-zeiss/myopia-management-lens-solutions.html