Tech Vision

How to Tap into the Technology Lens Market

By Karlen McLean, ABOC, NCLC

Lenses designed to allow crisp, comfortable viewing of computer screens to help combat CVS (Computer Vision Syndrome) started the technology lens trend, and now computer eyewear is a household word.

Computer eyewear is branching out to other near-to-intermediate performance lens categories, such as lenses for handheld devices, improved computer/ office lenses, and technology lenses for single-vision and progressive wearers.

This lens category has been growing for years, and now, with free-form capabilities, it's ready to become an everyday part of your practice. Here's how to be a success with the latest technology lens designs.

More complex lens options work with day-to-day technology in the workplace. Image courtesy of Essilor

VISION SHIFT

There has been a fundamental shift in the way we use our vision, and the use of electronic devices is the overall cause, requiring people to focus near-to-intermediately on pixels for long periods of their day. It's important to remember that Computer Vision Syndrome, Visual Fatigue Syndrome, and Digital Eye Fatigue are not only a lifestyle issue but a medical one, to be diagnosed and prescribed with eyewear to help alleviate the symptoms. It's estimated that more than 70 percent of computer users need computer glasses.

Technology lenses help comfort tired, strained eyes caused by extended intermediate and near viewing and are specifically designed for this task. Most include AR treatment, a key component to help eliminate visual fatigue caused by reflections and glare.

DISPENSING TIPS

Explaining computer vision and technology lens solutions to patients is the key component to technology vision dispensing. Here are some specific points to address for the best patient understanding and buy-in.

Visual Fatigue Syndrome is both a lifestyle issue and medical condition. The patient can identify the factors—focused computer and technology device use throughout the day—by answering a lifestyle questionnaire as well as verbal questions, and they can describe the symptoms. You can diagnose and treat VFS.

Technology eyewear as a treatment for the symptoms of CVS can be broken down for patients quickly and easily by simply stating the facts, features, and benefits.

• OPENING. “When you use midrange to near vision for extended periods of time (say, more than three hours a day), your eyes become extremely tired and you are likely exhibiting signs of CVS (eyestrain, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, etc.). We have a solution for that: eyewear specifically designed to help relieve your CVS symptoms.”

FEATURES: Smooth, wide technology-focused viewing; treatments/tints to filter out reflections and harsh lights, and enhance contrast; crisp, clear, sharp midrange vision lens design/customization.

BENEFITS: Increased productivity, relief from CVS-caused eyestrain, crisp working-distance vision.

WHO: It's not just computer users who can benefit! Anyone viewing mid-range objects can be helped. Think musicians, teachers, researchers, librarians, students, painters, jewelers, hobbyists, surgeons, dentists, gamers, and anyone using handheld electronic devices (such as mobile phones and tablets).

ACCESSORIES: At pick-up, make sure your technology device eyewear users have an ample supply of micro-fiber cleaning cloths and approved cleaning fluid, an appropriate easy-to-use case (preferably a more protective hard-cover one), their product authenticity card, and instructions on how to properly clean lenses and care for eyewear.

EMPHASIS: Somewhere appropriate in the dispensing conversation, briefly mention the product warranty. Emphasize that technology eyewear is not for constant use and discuss improved comfort and vision.

In the office, on the road, or at home, video display terminals create visual challenges. Images courtesy of (from top): Hoya Vision Care, Signet Armorlite, Pixel-Optics, and Gunnar Optiks

PRODUCT MIX

Technology lenses work well for their specific task—mid-range vision—but peak performance can't be obtained without making measurements a top priority and taking fitting techniques seriously.

Keep this list handy in your dispensary as a convenient fitting tips reference for all the technology lenses in production at press time.

According to multiple sources, new technology lens designs are poised for release soon, adding to the current product mix, which includes the following.

• Essilor Anti-Fatigue lenses: Distance Rx, monocular distance PDs, fitting height dotted at center pupil. Because of the “Power Boost” area in the lower portion of the lens for near vision work, there is a 13mm minimum recommended fitting height with a 23mm minimum recommended B measurement. This is positioned as an alternative to single-vision lenses: the top portion of the lens is for distance viewing.

Working on computers creates unique visual needs. Images above courtesy of Shamir (left) and Ophthonix (right)

• Essilor Computer lenses: Supply distance Rx and reading add, fitting height dotted at center pupil, monocular distance PDs to the lab. Recommended 15mm minimum fitting height and 30mm minimum B measurement to obtain full use of distance and reading power. A PAL with a small distance area, large intermediate area, and moderately-sized near vision area.

• Gunnar HD Single Vision Optics by Carl Zeiss Vision: Supply monocular distance PDs; maximum PD for all designs is 70mm. Base curves are frame- and Rx-dependent and should be verified by using a layout chart.

• Gunnar Ergo HD Optics by Carl Zeiss Vision: Monocular PDs, maximum PD is 70mm. Verify cut-out using a layout chart. Because these are only available in a defined group of Gunnar frames, minimum fitting height is not typically an issue, representatives say.

• Hoya Vision Care North America Hoyalux Tact: Prescribe and measure as a normal PAL. Eye Point 40 (EP40) positions 40 percent of the near Rx at the fitting point and is recommended for desktop computer users. EP60 places 60 percent of near at the fitting point, recommended for laptop users.

• Ophthonix iZon eFocus: Requires a specific intermediate Rx and a measurement of the distance the patient normally sits from his or her computer screen. Intermediate Rx power should be measured at 24″ which can be customized by the ECP using the eFocus Intermediate Power Adjustment Chart. A complimentary measuring device with instructions is available.

• PixelOptics: emPower! electronic lenses can be adjusted by the wearer for mid-range viewing. In the “off ” state, the design provides the widest mid-range vision possible. emPower! lenses are fitted like a traditional PAL: Center pupil for height and monocular distance PDs using a pupilometer. Because of the electronic components, a cut-out card specially designed for emPower! fitting is provided to certified emPower! practices to verify alignment and proper cut-out.

• Shamir Insight Relax: Considered a single-vision lens in ordering because the add power is low (+0.62D), measure as you would any standard single-vision lens, say representatives. A reference point does need to be provided for surfacing and fitting.

• Signet Armorlite KODAK MonitorView Lens: Measure, order, and fit as a standard PAL. The monitor-viewing distance is set at 24″.

In all cases, selected frames should be adjusted for pantoscopic angle (normally 7 to 12 degrees), minimum vertex distance (typically 10 to 12mm), and face form wrap before measuring, plus double-checked and, if necessary, readjusted at dispensing. Ideally, eyes should be vertically centered in the frame to within 3 to 5mm of the datum (180). EB