Remember the days of chunky textbooks and giant desktops? Today’s kids navigate a hyper-connected world of pocket-sized screens, online learning, and virtual reality gaming, presenting unique challenges for their eyes. While their digital prowess might outshine ours, their vision often suffers under the strain of constant screen time and improper visual aids. This is where ZEISS SmartLife Young Single Vision lenses come in, revolutionizing eye care for the digital generation.
Goodbye, One-Size-Fits-AllLenses
Conventional lenses were built for static adult faces and viewing habits. For kids, with their growing facial structures, changing pupil sizes, and dynamic reading distances, this translates to blurry edges, straining to see, and sometimes reduced academic performance due to poor visual clarity. Imagine a world where your glasses needed constant upgrades, not because they were scratched, but because your anatomy kept changing! That’s the reality for kids, and ZEISS SmartLife Young lenses are designed to keep up.
Introducing ZEISS SmartLife Young Single Vision Lenses
Forget about the limitations of static lens design. ZEISS SmartLife Young lenses are specifically designed to optimize vision for young people aged 6-19. These innovative lenses address the challenges of the digital age by incorporating technologies to adapt to the unique needs of young eyes:
Up to 60% wider fields of clear viewing for handheld digital devices compared to conventional ZEISS Single Vision lenses, thanks to ZEISS SmartView 2.0 technology with adapted viewing distances for younger age groups.
Clear vision at all distances, including near, intermediate, and far, minimizing eye strain and fatigue.
Technology Tailored for Young Eyes
ZEISS Dynamic AgeFit is like a growth spurt for your lenses, this technology takes into account age-related changes in facial anatomy, delivering a customized lens design for optimal performance. No more misaligned lenses or blurry peripheries – just optimal vision, edge-to-edge.
ZEISS Luminance Design 2.0 adapts to the increasing pupil diameter of young people, delivering precise vision and light transmittance in any lighting condition, from classroom dim to screen glare to full outdoor sun.
ZEISS SmartView 2.0 with Smart Dynamic Optics accounts for the shift in reading distances and unique viewing behaviors, providing sharp vision even when looking down at digital devices.
ZEISS SmartLife Young Lenses Are More Than Just Clear Vision
ZEISS SmartLife Young Single Vision lenses go beyond exceptional clarity. They’re a multi-layered shield that empowers kids to thrive in their digital world. They offer:
Sunglass-level UV protection: All clear plastic ZEISS lenses come standard with UV protection up to 400nm to guard their vulnerable eyes against harmful ultraviolet rays.
Optional blue light protection: Choose ZEISS BlueGuard as the lens material for an extra layer of defense against digital eye strain and fatigue caused by blue light.
Durable and scratch-resistant: Thanks to the ZEISS DuraVision Platinum UV AR coating, these lenses can withstand the rigors of active lifestyles, from playground tumbles to backpack adventures.
Self-tinting lenses: Perfect for the kids who are always going in and out, ZEISS PhotoFusion X lenses for sunglass-level darkness outdoors and clear vision indoors.
The Takeaway
ZEISS SmartLife Young Single Vision lenses are a game-changer for children’s vision. They’re not just a better fit; they’re a window to a brighter, clearer day-to-day life. By embracing the dynamic nature of childhood vision, we can empower kids to see the world at its fullest, without the limitations of ill-fitting lenses.
Contact your ZEISS Business Development Representative today to learn more about these revolutionary lenses and how they can transform your practice or click here to become a customer.
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As an eye care professional, you know better than anyone how important vision is to learning. In fact, studies have shown that as much as 80% of what children learn in school is presented visually [1,2,7]. It is estimated that 1 in 4 school children have some form of vision problem. Of these, 5 to 10 percent have significant problems that, if left untreated, can affect their learning and development. Anything impacting a child’s ability to see clearly can also impact their ability to learn.
Good vision is essential for kids to be able to see the blackboard at school, read textbooks, and complete assignments. However, many parents don’t realize how vision impacts learning or how important it is to get their kids’ eyes checked on a regular basis. In this blog post, we’ll briefly explore how vision is related to learning and offer some tips on how you can get patients to understand the importance of getting an annual eye exam for their kids.
How Vision Impacts Learning
Poor vision can make it difficult for kids to process what they see. This can lead to poor grades and difficulty keeping up with their peers. If a child has undiagnosed binocular vision problems (eyes that don’t work together as a team), they may compensate by using only one eye at a time. This can even lead to headaches, double vision, and fatigue.
Learning-Related Vision Problems
Some of the most common symptoms of learning-related vision disorders are:
Double vision, particularly during or after reading
Poor handwriting
Hyperactivity or recklessness during class
Word and letter reversals
Easily distracted during reading
Poor reading comprehension
Poor overall school performance
Circumventing of reading
Blurred vision, especially after reading or working closely
Eye Strain or frequent headaches
Why Annual Exams are Important
During an annual comprehensive eye exam, you do more than just test for refractive error. There is also a screening for other common problems like amblyopia, strabismus, glaucoma, and more serious diseases such as cancer. You also take into account how the eyes are working together as a team.
Many vision problems can easily go undetected in young children. That’s because children don’t always know to tell their parents if they’re having trouble seeing. The kids might not even realize they’re having problems because they’re vision is all they know and they don’t realize it should be better. As a result, vision problems can lead to delays in development and learning and these delays can be hard to come back from. Additionally, some vision problems can worsen over time if they’re not treated early on.
How Poor Vision Can Lead to Delays
A recent study from Johns Hopkins [8] on the difference glasses make for children in school displays how beneficial they can be for learning. The research was conducted with 7,000 children from various schools in Baltimore and is considered to be one of the largest controlled studies done in the U.S. Those who seemed to gain the most academic improvement were students that generally need more help academically or those with disabilities–demonstrating improvements equal to four to six months of learning.
What’s less well known is how difficult it can be to catch up on those delays once they’ve occurred. Much of what is taught in school builds upon previous concepts, so if a child has missed out on key ideas, it can be very difficult for them to understand what is being taught later on. In addition, children who have fallen behind often struggle with confidence and motivation; they may feel like they can never catch up.
Tips for Getting Patients to Understand the Importance of Annual Eye Exams
Explain how vision impacts learning – Many parents don’t realize how important vision is to learning. By explaining how poor vision can impact their child’s ability to see the blackboard, read textbooks, and write neatly, you’ll help them understand why it’s so important to get their kids’ eyes checked on a regular basis.
Vision affects a student’s ability to pay attention.
There is a direct connection between what a student sees and how well they are able to pay attention in school [9]. If a student struggles with visual processing or has a hard time tracking words on a page, they are likely to have difficulty paying attention in class. Conversely, if a student has clear vision and 20/20 eyesight, they will be more likely to be able to focus on their work and pay attention in class.
Good vision is necessary for proper hand-eye coordination.
Hand-eye coordination is important for many tasks such as writing, cutting with scissors, and throwing a ball. If a child lacks good hand-eye coordination, they may have difficulty completing these tasks—and may consequently struggle in school. Poor hand-eye coordination can also lead to poor fine motor skills, which can make it difficult for children to write properly or do other tasks that require the use of small muscles.
Vision problems can impact a child’s social development.
Children who have trouble seeing clearly may avoid social situations because they are embarrassed about their vision problem or because they struggle to keep up with their peers visually. As a result, they may have fewer friends and miss out on important social development opportunities.
Tips to get patients to make an appointment
Remind and incentivize – Most insurance plans offer a free annual exam. Remind your patients of these benefits via email. Offering free or discounted exams is a great way to get parents in the door. Once they’re in for an exam, you can provide them with more information about the importance of annual eye exams and answer any questions they may have. Remember parents are busy. So make it easier for them by sending reminders.
Give clear instructions – Be sure to give parents clear instructions on what they need to do in order to prepare their child for their appointment (e.g., no screens two hours before the appointment, etc.). This will help ensure that the exam goes smoothly and that you’re able to get an accurate assessment of your child’s vision.
Follow up after the appointment – Don’t forget to follow up after the appointment. Thank parents for bringing their child in. You could even send them a reminder card in the mail before their next scheduled appointment.
It is important for parents to be proactive in ensuring their children’s vision health. Annual eye exams are an important part of this, and by explaining the importance of these exams to patients, you can help them understand why it’s so important to bring their kids in for a check-up. Additionally, remind parents that most insurance plans offer free annual exams, so there’s no reason not to get your child’s eyes checked on a regular basis. And finally, follow up with parents after the appointment to thank them for bringing their child in and answer any questions they may have.
To find out more about becoming a ZEISS customer, please click here.
1) Wang S, Hao X, Ma X, Yu Y, Wu L, Wang Y, Li Y. Associations between Poor Vision, Vision-Related Behaviors and Mathematics Achievement in Chinese Students from the CNAEQ-PEH 2015. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Nov 18;17(22):8561. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17228561. PMID: 33218140; PMCID: PMC7698834.
2) Dudovitz RN, Izadpanah N, Chung PJ, Slusser W. Parent, Teacher, and Student Perspectives on How Corrective Lenses Improve Child Wellbeing and School Function. Matern Child Health J. 2016 May;20(5):974-83. doi: 10.1007/s10995-015-1882-z. PMID: 26649878; PMCID: PMC4826825.
3) Atowa UC, Wajuihian SO, Hansraj R. A review of paediatric vision screening protocols and guidelines. Int J Ophthalmol. 2019 Jul 18;12(7):1194-1201. doi: 10.18240/ijo.2019.07.22. PMID: 31341813; PMCID: PMC6629797.
4) CDC. (2010). Building a basis for action: Enhancing public health surveillance of visual impairment and eye health in the United States. Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
5) Egerter, B., Sadegh-Nobarl, T., Grossman-Kahn, R., & Dekker, M. (2009). Issue brief 8: Education and health. In Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Commission to Build a Healthier America (pp. 1–15). http://www.rwjf.org/content/dam/farm/reports/issue_ briefs/2011/rwjf70447
6) Krumholtz, I. (2000). Results from a pediatric vision screening and its ability to predict academic performance. Optometry (St. Louis, Mo.), 71(7), 426–430.
7) Yawn, B. P., Lydick, E. G., Epstein, R., & Jacobsen, S. J. (1996). Is school vision screening effective? Journal of School Health, 66(5), 171–175. doi:10.1111/j.1746-1561.1996.tb06269.x.
8) Neitzel AJ, Wolf B, Guo X, et al. Effect of a Randomized Interventional School-Based Vision Program on Academic Performance of Students in Grades 3 to 7: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2021;139(10):1104–1114. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2021.3544
9) Maunsell JH, Cook EP. The role of attention in visual processing. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2002 Aug 29;357(1424):1063-72. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2002.1107. PMID: 12217174; PMCID: PMC1693016.
It’s the time of year again when we start to make about our resolutions for healthy living. Wouldn’t it be great if this resolution could help protect your eyesight? Well, in fact, healthy vision is one of the most important things you can do to be healthy and happy! That’s why today we’re going to share with you 10 eye-healthy resolutions that will not only improve your health but also make you feel better all around.
Why healthy vision is so important
There are many reasons why healthy vision is so important. Healthy eyesight allows us to see the world around us, enables us to work and earn a living, and helps us to connect with our loved ones. In addition, healthy vision is necessary for many everyday activities, such as reading, cooking, and driving and is critical for overall well-being. When we can’t see clearly, it can be difficult to participate and enjoy life in its entirety.
Get an eye exam and make sure you’re wearing the right glasses
Comprehensive annual eye exams are of the utmost important in preventing and diagnosing vision problems. During your exam, your optometrist will check for common eye diseases and conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. They will also test how well you see both close-up and far away.
It’s often easier to prevent than to treat an eye disease, so be sure to get your annual check-up.
If you already wear glasses or contacts, be sure to bring them with you to your appointment. Even if you don’t need glasses now, chances are that this will change as you age. Make sure that the glasses or contacts that you do wear fit comfortably and allow for clear vision without any issues such as blurring, double vision, or headaches.
If you don’t have an eye doctor, we can help you find one in your area. The ZEISS Online Vision Screening examines vision in five different tests and thus provides an initial indication of how sharp vision, color, and contrast perception are.
Give your eyes a break from digital screens
Most of us view digital devices throughout the day
We all know that staring at a computer screen, phone, or TV for too long isn’t good for our eyes. But what many of us don’t realize is just how bad it can be. When we stare at a digital screen, we’re constantly blinking which dries out our eyes and causes eye fatigue. This can lead to headaches, blurry vision, and even dry or irritated eyes.
To avoid this kind of eye strain, try taking a break from digital screens every 30 minutes by looking at an object that’s about 20 feet away for around 30 seconds. This will allow your eyes to rest while still being functional in case you need them quickly! In addition, make sure that the light from your digital devices isn’t too bright. The brightness of a screen should never be above its surroundings, such as streetlights or lamp posts!
Protect your eyes from blue light
Most of us know that UV light is bad for our eyes, but we might not realize just how potentially damaging blue light can be. Blue light has been linked to a number of serious eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. In fact, it’s estimated that 80% of people with healthy vision will develop some form of cataracts by the time they’re 80-years old.
Luckily, you can protect your eyes from blue light in just a few simple steps! When indoors, make sure that you’re not looking at a computer, phone, or TV screen without wearing eyeglasses with blue light protection, such as ZEISS BlueGuard. At night (when our bodies produce melatonin to help us sleep), avoid using your evening electronics as much as possible and don’t forget to turn off those bright overhead lights! When outdoors make sure to protect your eyes by either wearing sunglasses with full UV protection or ZEISS clear lenses, which all have sunglass-level UV protection.
Eat healthy foods for better eye health
One of the most important things you can do for healthy vision is to eat healthy foods. Foods that are high in vitamins and minerals, such as leafy green vegetables and fruits, are essential for keeping your eyes healthy.
Some nutrients that are especially important for healthy vision include Vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc. These nutrients play multiple roles in the functioning of your eyes such as helping to protect cells from damage (including retinal nerve cells), preventing inflammation, and supporting healthy night-vision.
Here’s a tip! Eat more blueberries! Blueberries get their deep color from a pigment called anthocyanin. Studies show pigment has been shown to help protect the eyes from damage caused by UV and blue light, as well as improve night vision.
Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes hydrated
Hydrate all day for optimal health
Did you know our eyes are approximately 80% water? Well, they are! Water is important for our whole bodies to function properly, and it’s especially vital when you’re trying to protect your vision.
Water helps lubricate the cornea (the clear membrane in front of your eye), keeps tear film healthy, and washes away debris. When our bodies are dehydrated, it can cause a number of problems including dry eyes and eye fatigue. In fact, it’s recommended that we drink around eight glasses of water per day!
If you’re having trouble remembering to drink enough water, try using a reusable water bottle with a built-in reminder. These bottles will alert you when it’s time to drink more water and can help ensure that your eyes stay healthy!
Exercise regularly, which can help prevent or delay age-related vision loss
Exercise is good for your body, including your eyes
Did you know that exercise can help prevent or delay age-related vision loss? It’s true!
One study showed that people who exercised regularly had a reduced risk by 70% in developing age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) than those who didn’t. And, if they did develop ARMD, the progression of the disease was slower than in inactive people.
Some of the best exercises for healthy eyes are aerobic, which include walking, jogging, swimming and biking. These types of activities help to improve blood flow throughout your body including your eyes! So pick up that water bottle or gym bag and start exercising today!
You can exercise your eyes too.
Just like the rest of our body, our eyes need exercise to stay healthy. This can be done by doing some simple eye exercises a few times a day. Here are a few of our favorites:
– Look up and down, then left to right
– Focus on an object far away for a few seconds, then focus on an object close by
– Roll your eyes in a circle (clockwise and counter clockwise)
– Close your eyes as tightly as you can for five seconds, then release
– Blink quickly 20 times
Sit up straight when you work at a computer – this will reduce eyestrain and fatigue
Improve posture so it becomes a habit
Maintaining healthy eyesight is even more important when you’re staring at a computer screen for hours on end. As we all know too well, poor posture can lead to lots of problems including neck pain or backaches. It’s also terrible for healthy vision because it places a lot of stress on the eyes.
One easy way to reduce eyestrain and fatigue when you’re working at a computer is to sit up straight with your shoulders back. You may also want to consider using a glare-reducing screen protector or anti-glare glasses. And, lastly, make sure to take breaks every 20 minutes to give your eyes a rest.
When we spend long periods of time focusing on small fonts and images, our vision can become strained and fatigued as the muscles in our eyes tire out from constantly working to focus on these objects. This type of eyestrain is called Computer Vision Syndrome, and it is a serious problem.
In fact, computer vision syndrome has become so common that it affects up to 90% of the people who spend three hours or more per day at a computer! To help reduce symptoms of this condition, make sure you take regular breaks from your screen as well as focusing on larger objects
If you suffer from dry eye, treatment can help with overall vision.
Dry eye affects nearly 30 million Americans each year, and can cause various symptoms including pain or irritation in the eyes. It occurs when your tears are not healthy enough to lubricate your eye properly, which leaves them feeling dry and irritated.
The symptoms of dry eye don’t always feel like dryness. Sometimes they are more like blurriness, stinging, burning, or tearing. And, unfortunately, this condition does not always go away on its own.
If you suffer from chronic dry eyes, there is good news! There are a number of treatment options available for people with dry eyes. They include: warm compresses, eye drops or ointments that add moisture to the eye, and healthy lifestyle changes such as blinking more often and avoiding high temperatures. Additionally there are in-office treatments and prescription medications that can help. So talk to your eye doctor about the best treatment plan for you.
Protect your eyes from UV damage
Your eyes are as susceptible to UV damage as your skin.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause serious damage to your eyes, and increase the risk of developing macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye problems over time. UV exposure also increases a person’s chance for skin cancer on their eyelids as well as wrinkles around the eyes, which is why it is so important to protect your eyes from UV rays.
The best way to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays is to either wear sunglasses that have both UVA and UVB protection or eyeglasses that have sunglass-level UV protection as part of the lens material, such as ZEISS UVProtect Lenses.
Make sure you have adequate lighting when you’re reading
If you often find yourself straining to see the words on a page, it may be because you’re not getting enough light. When we read, our eyes should be focused on an object about 18 inches away from us. If there is not enough light in the room, our eyes have to work harder to focus and this can lead to eyestrain and make it harder for us to read.
In order to reduce strain when you’re reading, make sure there is a good light source keeping the area bright enough so that your eyes don’t have to work too hard. Try using natural lighting from a window or lamp with an incandescent bulb, as they provide more light than a fluorescent bulb.
If you’re reading in the dark, try using a book light or clip-on light to help direct more light towards the page.
Start with an eye exam
Even if you don’t have any symptoms of an eye problem, it is important to get your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. This is because many eye problems, such as cataracts and glaucoma, do not have any symptoms until they are quite advanced. So schedule your yearly eye exam today and start the new year off with healthy eyes! Find an eye doctor near you here.
