kids' korner
Parental Primer: Putting kids in Poly and Trivex Lenses
by Amy Spiezio

Getting kids back to school or onto the playing field in polycarbonate and Trivex lenses often means a lesson in lenses for parents. The advantages of these two materials are there and can result in a genuine "wow" effect for kids--if mom and dad are willing to make that choice.

Poly is a durable len choice available in formats ranging from clear and sports goggles to photochromics PHOTO COURTESY TRANSITIONS OPTICAL

Plastic, particularly CR 39, has been embraced as a children's' lens because of its stability and affordability. But the benefits of polycarbonate and Trivex--especially their greater strength and durability--make these lens options a superior and all-around safer choice for children's eyewear.

In states where Duty to Warn policies are closely followed, such as Texas, poly and Trivex are the primary choices and parents must sign waivers to put their kids in glass or plastic lenses. Poly is the basic lens material for children's eyewear at Altig Optical in Fort Worth, Texas, says Walt Garrison, ABO, optician. "All of the frames on the board are priced with poly."

Even where there isn't a requirement to put children in materials stronger than plastic, consider utilizing a lifestyle questionnaire and explaining to parents the advantages of opting for a new lens material. This should be a standard practice in every office in the country.

POINTS FOR POLY

Increased awareness of product quality, a desire for safety, and the need for durability are driving factors in the sale of polycarbonate lenses for children. Next time parents are wavering, consider sharing these points:

It can take what kids dish out. No one wants to make trips to the dispensary on a frequent basis to fix eyeglasses. Polycarbonate is more impact resistant than glass or hard resin. Along those lines, consider the safety factors--let parents know about the dangers of using a weaker material and the durability of polycarbonate.

It's sunblock for the eyes. Kids today spend time in the classroom, at the computer, and on the playing fields exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Polycarbonate lenses include a filter that provides the maximum protection, blocking 99 percent of all UV rays.

It's comfortable, so kids will wear it. Polycarbonate lenses have a light specific gravity--so they are lighter in weight than other plastic lenses.

It looks better, so kids will KEEP wearing it. Just like their parents, kids care about how they look. High-index poly (1.59 index) can be processed to 1.0mm thin, although active kids would be advised to go with a 2mm or 3mm lens to provide more protection.

	The new kid on the block, Trivex, is gaining ground in the children's market thanks to optics and durability PHOTO COURTESY OF TRIVEX

THE NEW KID

The latest entry to the mid/high index lens market, Trivex, is gaining a following among ECPs for use in children's prescriptions. Performance, increased impact resistance, and lighter weight are the three primary characteristics which tempt adults to opt for this new material--and can work just as well for kids' eyewear. "We've been quite successful," Garrison says. "Pretty much, it's our staple lens, it's our first choice."

One of the top selling points for Trivex is its strength--always a plus when it comes to kids. "This lens is holding up; it's quite durable against scratching," Garrison says. "Some parents come back with scratches in poly, and they move to Trivex." At the Texas dispensary, confidence in Trivex is so high that there is an unconditional warranty offered on the product.

Another aspect of the lens that pleases parents is the optical quality of Trivex. Garrison says that his young patients instantly recognize the difference between Trivex and plastic. The clarity of Trivex gives kids a wow factor and better overall vision. "I think that one of the big selling aspects is the clarity of the lens. Kids' first comment is how clear they see," Garrison says.

Although Crestwood Optical in Manassas, Va., sells more CR 39 than anything for kids, Jim Guthrie, optician at the dispensary, says that Trivex is a package option that's expected to grow as word spreads on the material and parents become more educated on its pluses. "I have to explain it. I show them the difference in the optics. They can actually see the difference in the lens," Guthrie says.

While a little less than 10 percent of the dispensary's young patients currently opt for Trivex, Garrison predicts that the material will take off in the future. "We need Trivex to be stock. Once it's stock, it's standard. Then it will be a selling point," he says.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Thanks to its solid performance and easy maintenance, Trivex is gaining acceptance. But before it is fully embraced as an option for children, there is one more obstacle to overcome: Sticker shock.

Some parents see the extra expense as money well spent. Parents who put eye safety in a prominent position are naturals for Trivex. "For their children, parents aren't dollar conscious when it comes to safety," Garrison says.

But there is still the natural urge for parents to be conservative when it comes to shelling out money for an item that will face abuse or be replaced as soon as a prescription changes.

At practices such as Altig Optical, the price for Trivex is $30 more than poly, making it an easier choice. "We are not getting a high demand for upgrading at the moment--but parents are more aware. We are starting to see an increase in parents willing to spend. Previously, parents didn't want to spend anything. But for $30 more, you get clarity, durability and a warranty," Garrison adds.

But the biggest selling booster may just be the passage of time. Guthrie says, "I think as time goes on [and Trivex becomes a more viable stock lens option], price points will drop. It will be easier to sell, but like with any new technology, it takes time."

Whether your preference is poly or Trivex, the end result is a win-win for you and your young patients.