The effect of digital technology on our posture

There has been an explosion in smartphones, tablets, and e-readers - we are all looking at screens more often. A study in France found smartphone purchases increased by 7% in one year. Three out of 10 French people say they have a tablet.

Most of us are not particularly attached to a single device, using a tablet at home, a smartphone while commuting, a computer at work and so on. The information on our devices is much the same, in content, as that of traditional books, but in a very different form. Books need a linear reading mode punctuated by pages. In comparison you can navigate electronic text using hyperlinks and being able to scroll text on screen. Electronic reading means we interact more with our device. Using a keyboard or touch screen eliminates the idea of the page. Most devices are ‘mobile’ or ‘handheld’ so they can be used in a wide range of everyday situations: while standing in public transport; sitting on a sofa; or lying in bed. 

All these changes impact of the design of optical lenses. Reading glasses were designed for reading books. Now we are using devices, lens designers need to know what position our bodies, head and eyes are in, and create lenses to suit. 

A new study has investigated our posture when we are 'on' our devices. The key findings were:

• Eye-screen Distance was on average 33cm for smart phones, 38cm for and e-reader and 40cm for tablets. The smaller the screen, the closer the distance of use. These results, also confirmed by Maniwa et al. (2013),16 and Ko et al. (2012),17 show that users reduce their viewing distance when the font size is smaller. But the font size of our devices was also related to their size: 1.5mm for the smartphone, 2mm for the e-book reader and 3mm for the tablet.

By comparison, a study has shown we hold a paper at about 41cm, and write on paper from a distance of 42cm - approximately 8cm further away than a smartphone.

• Downgaze using devices is more pronounced than when we are reading traditional books or print. The angle was greatest (25.6°) for the smartphones compared with tablets and e-readers. This compares to the angle of gaze for traditional reading it 19°

Experimental results found people using digital devices have very stable, even rigid posture.

What next? New lenses are now available which optimise vision for the closer range. 

In the meantime for many the data may help explain other body aches and pains we are experiencing associated with these new trends.

Ever wondered how a 3D frame is printed?

Monoqool, a frame company based in Denmark, has a truly unique story to their brand.

Monoqool founded in 2009 were looking to create a point of difference, using design innovation to change the look and comfort of a frame. The result was a spiral NXT hinge, with no screws, no bolts and no welds, just innovation plus geometry.

Monoqool is one of the leaders of 3D printing of frames. Known as the IQ series, 3D printed frames are extremely light, the latest models weigh just 10gm. A video available on Youtube shows the process - fascinating to watch.

Some eye catching new colours are being produced, a very strong azure blue, purple, bright red and hot pink, broadening the appeal of this great range. The hottest shape is a PANTO PT model, following the trend away from square and back to softer rounds.

Colour Vision Screening In Kiwi Schools Ends

Routine, school-based check-ups for 11 and 12 year old students will no longer include testing for defects in colour vision. This change came into effect as of July 1. The reason for the change is to allow Ministry of Health Technicians more time to identify problems which may have a greater impact for a child (than a colour vision defect).

Colour vision deficits are more common for boys (10% of the population of 26,000 NZ boys screened annually).

The change was influenced by a research project at the University of Otago. Overseen by eye specialist Dr Graham Wilson, the research resulted in a paper 'Is screening for congenital colour vision deficiency in school students worthwhile?' The research concluded "there was no link between colour vision deficiency and the level of educational achievement, and only a rare association between the condition and other health and lifestyle impacts". Discontinuing testing.

There are numerous online sites for self testing - and these provide a useful screening tool. Here are some options: Enchroma, Colorblind or Colblinder. If a young person uncovers any difficulties, come and see us to check the result. 

Kiwi Designed Technology to End Preventable Blindness

Recently I had a chance to try some innovative new lens technology. Using a simple device I was able to convert an IPhone into a specialized tool to examine eyes. 

With a small group of optometrists I met Hanna Eastvold-Edwins from ODocs Eye Care. ODocs was started by Dr Hong Sheng Chiong. Hong is an ophthalmologist with a passion for technology and gadgets.

Several clinical attachments in third world countries (Kenya, Nepal and Malaysia) were key for Hong. These experiences have given him the insight to the burden of preventable blindness. He believes the problem lies in the access to quality eye care and he is part of the solution, designing his own equipment.

His company, ODocs, develops ultra mobile and economical eye tests and diagnostic devices. He has invented several eye imaging adapters for a mobile phone to diagnose and track eye diseases. He shared his inspiring story at TEDx Auckland. Watch him tell his story here.

The accolades for Hong continue. He was recently Highly Commended at the NZ Innovators 2016 awards in February.

What did I think? The results are impressive. Compared with the optics of our microscopes and specialized lenses? The views using a phone with the attachments were good. I expect these devices will find their way into optometrists rooms as well as out 'in the field' they are designed for.

Project Blaid - The Toyota Effect

Toyota is not a brand we associate with vision. Yet this company is developing a wearable device for the blind and visually impaired.

Called Project Blaid, the device will be worn around the shoulders. Blaid helps users navigate indoor spaces, such as office buildings and shopping malls. It works by helping the wearer identify everyday things like restrooms, escalators, stairs and doors. It is hoped Blaid will fill the gaps left by canes, dogs and basic GPS devices. Wearers will have more information about their surroundings.

Cameras detect the surroundings and communicate to the wearer through speakers and vibration motors. Users will interact with the device through voice recognition and buttons. Future plans include integrated mapping, object identification and facial recognition technologies.

The project reflects the company’s commitment to enrich lives. “Mobility is empowering,” Toyota’s Simon Nagata says. “We want to extend the freedom of mobility for all, no matter their circumstance, location or ability.”

Get Fred On The Fiver...Campaign for Hollows $5

The face of the late, great philanthropist and ophthalmologist Fred Hollows could end up on Australia’s fiver. This is the aim of The Fred Hollows Foundation. New Zealand-born Fred Hollows is well known for improving access to sight-saving cataract surgery. He helped many people in Australia and other countries.

 Early in the 1970s, Hollows worked in the rural outback of Australia. He became especially concerned with the high number of Aborigines who had eye problems. This motivated him to help establish medical services for Aboriginal people throughout Australia. Hollows himself spent three years visiting Aboriginal communities to provide eye care and carry out a survey of eye defects. More than 460 communities were visited, and 62,000 Aboriginal People were examined. This led to 27,000 people treated and 1,000 operations carried out.

Hollows visited Nepal, Eritrea and Vietnam 1987-91. The result was programs to train local technicians to perform eye surgery. Following this laboratories were established in Eritrea and Nepal to manufacture the intraocular lenses needed for cataract surgery. These were produced at cost, approximately A$10 at the time. It has been estimated that more than one million people in the world can see today because of initiatives instigated by Hollows and his Foundation.

Gabi Hollows, Fred Hollows’ widow, launched the campaign “Get Fred on the Fiver” in January this year. Five dollars has been a catch line for Fred Hollows – ‘give Fred five’ and ‘Fivers for Fred’ as $5 was the price of a sight-saving intraocular lens. The Foundation has established a website for Australians to sign a petition campaigning to change the current image on the five dollar note.