Do High Tech Changes Hurt Children's Eyes?

I've often wondered and was just speaking about the high tech revolution causing other health issues down the road.  Not only are we becoming an increasing internet dependent society but we are also increasing the number of gadgets to include an array of gadgets decreasing in size.  This new revolution maybe cool and upcoming but what will all these changes do to our children's eyesights?  Health experts are warning us that all this tech work on computers, tablets and other gadgets can lead to eye strain and fatigue.  It's not just at home we have to be concerned with as schools are jumping on the bandwagon replacing traditional learning tools with computers and other technology over books, paper and pencils.  

Ficklets

This syndrome is being coined computer vision syndrome and can encompass many symptoms that include blurred vision, headaches, loss of attention, neck pain and more according to Dr. Andrea Thau of the American Optometric Association.  The reason it's a problem is when we view a computer screen, it's flat and not 3-D.  “It's flat and it's glowing, and it tricks the eye into thinking something is closer than it is… it often sets up an imbalance between eye coordination and focusing," stated Thau.

As with adults, she recommends taking a 20 second break every 20 minutes as well as making sure the screen is four to five inches below eye level.

To read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/08/26/is-technology-harming-your-child-eyes/?intcmp=features#ixzz24gydOFAC

Nonsurgical LASIK Alternative Has Children Seeing Clearer

http://www.bristolfamilyeyecare.com/services-corneal-refractive.php

Most likely, everyone has heard of LASIK by now to include the old cartoon from the Simpson's showing the neighbor in the future blind due to his LASIK.  Luckily, that cartoon prediction hasn't transpired yet and many people are benefiting from a new treatment called corneal reshaping or Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT).  It's the latest FDA approved treatment that helps those with blurry vision see with 20/20 vision.  It differs from LASIK in that it's not a surgical procedure and is considered more controlled.


By wearing contact lenses at night, it slows and in some cases, prevents nearsightedness in children too.  LASIK is only for adults so this is a new procedure option for children.  The process begins when the optometrists maps the cornea which is the eye's most outer lens to measure the steepness.  The way CRT works, is the steeper the cornea, the worse the vision is so when the customized lenses are fitted to the eye, it can reshape and flatten them overnight.  The downside is the patient has to continue to wear the lenses at night or the effects will revert.  Its average cost is $1800.


You can read more here.

Kids with low vision learn about art at ForSight Vision

(DAILY RECORD/SUNDAY NEWS - CHRIS DUNN)

ForSight Vision, a Spring Garden Township center for the blind and visually impaired, introduced art classes for children about two years ago. President Bill Rhinesmith said the classes -- held during two sessions per year -- help about 10 visually impaired kids use their sense of touch to create tie-dye T-shirts, collages and beaded artwork. Siblings and parents can also participate.  This is a wonderful story about how children with low vision can participate in art type projects.  The other goal of these classes are to help children with low vision adapt to social situations they might not have a chance to interact in.


Read more here.

Great Glasses Play Day August 5

As part of our support for children with glasses, contacts or patches, we are sharing the Little Four Eyes and Peeps Eyewear Great Glasses Play Day for August 5th.

Want to help?

We need your help to make the Great Glasses Play Day a success – take a look at some of the ways you can help.  And we’re always up for other ideas, too – just let us know!

Parents:

• Attend one of the Great Glasses Play Day events and invite any friends who have children in glasses
• Sign up to host a Great Glasses Play Day
• Have a blog?  Post about the Great Glasses Play Day
• We need more pictures!  Do you have any great pictures of your child in glasses at play?  Would you be willing to let us use that picture on this site?  Send us a note at GGPD@shinypebble.com!
• Talk to your local Children’s Librarian and ask if they’d be willing to do a book display the week of Great Glasses Play Day.
• Read our “Ways to Play” series on different ways to celebrate the Great Glasses Play Day
• Like us on Facebook
• Submit your own ideas of ways to celebrate to GGPD@shinypebble.com!

Eye Care Professionals:

• Post a flyer about the Great Glasses Play Day in your office, or let parents of children in glasses know about the Great Glasses Play Day in other ways.
• Offer free adjustments, free glasses cleaning cloths, or free glasses cases the week of Great Glasses Play Day
• Like us on Facebook
• Contact us at GGPD@shinypebble.com with other ideas!

Librarians:

• Vision and literacy are closely related, a child who has poor vision will likely struggle with reading.  Not only that, many children find comfort in books about other kids who are facing similar situations, and getting glasses is no exception!  We would love if you would consider putting up a display of books related to kids and glasses for the Great Glasses Play Day, or do a story time with stories on that topic.  There are some good lists of books about kids and glasses at Eye Health Guide and Little Four Eyes.

Others:

• Have a blog?  Post about the Great Glasses Play Day
• Spread the word, let any friends or family with kids in glasses know about the day
• Like us on Facebook
• Drop us a line at GGPD@shinypebble.com with

Time for a Spring Make Over with Ficklets

Don't miss out on adding some new life and personality to your little one's glasses this spring.  Ficklets has many different themes to choose from.   Ficklets has the perfect eye wear charm huggers for both boys and girls and even has large template/large sunglasses Ficklets to fit adult sunglasses.

Check out some of our testimonials to see how other children are enjoying their Ficklets.

Happy Spring!

Eye Didn't Know That Website

I stumbled upon this website, Eye Didn't Know That which is geared towards children, parents, teachers and caregivers to offer a fun and interactive way to learn more about the eyes.  For children, with glasses or without, it's a great resource to help explain the importance of good eye health.  From coloring pages to optical illusions, activities and more, your children just might be entertained while learning some great things.  One feature, the Virtual Timeline, even offers interesting factoids such as over a thousand years ago, the Chinese created dark spectacles to ward off evil spirits.

The optical illusions are always fun to test what you see and it becomes a game to play with others.  The Ferris Wheel appears to be moving.  There really are a lot of fun activities to play alone or with your child.


For parents, there are resources for knowing more about children's eye health:

Children’s Eyes are More Sensitive

Children’s eyes are naturally more sensitive to environmental factors that can be damaging to their eyes:

• The average child receives three times the annual UV exposure than an adult.
• The lens of the eye of a child under age 10 allows more than six times the amount of UV radiation to penetrate than an adult’s eye.
• When you protect the skin around your eyes—and everywhere else—during the first 18 years of your life, the risk of cancer is likely to be reduced by 50%. This means that in addition to regular eye exams, you should make sure your children’s eyes and skin are protected from UV rays whenever they are outside—protect your children’s eyes from the sun with UV-blocking lenses, such as Transitions lenses, wide-brimmed hats covering the eyes, ears, face and neck, and sunscreen.

Healthy Sight Checklist

• Visit an eye doctor regularly for a complete eye exam. To locate an eye doctor near you, click here.
• Maintain a balanced diet high in beta-carotene and take vitamin supplements, if recommended
• Exercise regularly
• Drink eight to ten glasses of water a day to hydrate your body and eyes
• Make a conscious effort to periodically rest your eyes and blink frequently – especially when reading, working on a computer or watching television
• Avoid rubbing your eyes
• Wear sunscreen and UV-protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat
• Select everyday eyewear, like Transitions lenses, that automatically block 100 percent of UV rays and help to reduce distracting glare

Ficklets' 5 Year Anniversary Giveaway: 5 Pairs Ficklets, $75 Amazon GC & Xia-Xia Pets 4/21

This is no April Fool's joke!  Ficklets is celebrating five years in business!  Ficklets are the first patented interchangeable eyewear charm huggers that fit on children's glasses.  There are so many shapes and themes to choose from that will leave your child wanting more.  Even though it's our anniversary, you will receive the gifts!  As part of our celebration, we are thanking our customers and fans by giving you this great prize pack:

• Five Pairs of Ficklets (winner's choice)
• $75 Amazon e-Gift Card
• 3 Xia-Xia Pets Plus Additional Shell Accessories

To Enter:

Please use the Rafflecopter form below.

New Eye Device to Detect Brain Tumours

A new prototype device is in use in the UK at Edinburgh Sick Kids Hospital which will detect brain tumours and other serious conditions in those most vulnerable.  What doctors have learned about vision is that problems with peripheral vision can be an early indicator to something more serious such as stroke, brain damage, tumors and other conditions that can lead to blindness.   Old devices to measure peripheral vision relied on a button response to stimuli while sitting still.  The i2eye device uses infra-red LEDs and a camera to record actual eye movement.

For this reason, it can be used on the rest of the population that was unable to push a button and sit still like children or other adults.  Peter Estibeiro, chief executive officer of i2eye diagnostics, said: "The eye tracker unit is watching your eyes, using your natural reactions to movements on the screen so it can build up a standard visual field map."  This is great news for parents concerned and unable to have the proper testing done due to a child's age or ability to respond to instruction.

Since the announcement of the launch of i2eye Diagnostics Limited on March 19th, they expect to launch their first product within the next six months.

Perfect for Spring: Ficklets

Clocks are changing this weekend signifying that spring is right around the corner.  With spring comes all the flowers and butterflies and beautiful weather.  Ficklets has an array of wonderful shapes and themes to put a little "spring" into your little one's eyeglasses.

Check us out at www.ficklets.com!

Free Storybook App: Randy Kazandy Where are Your Glasses

Auracle - Randy Kazandy Where are your Glasses? - New Storybook Apps for Kids

This month, Auryn Apps celebrates reading with a free book app  every day. Today’s storybook app is a brand new app: "Randy Kazandy, Where are your Glasses?" , a book app aimed at helping kids all around the nation adjust to eyeglasses in a fun and clever way.

Auryn Apps Celebrate reading: 1 new title FREE every day in March!

From iTunes:

Featured by countless media sources like the NY Times and NBC, and praised by celebrities like Oprah, Rachael Ray, Ellen DeGeneres, Dr. Phil, Elton John and Laura Bush.

To read more just click on the link below:

http://www.funeducationalapps.com/2012/03/randy-kazandy-where-are-your-glassesnew-storybook-apps-for-kids.html 

Ficklets Sale

If you haven't checked out Ficklets yet, now is the time to see some of the cute styles on sale!  Ficklets are the first interchangeable eyewear accessories that hug your little one's glasses.  They can also be placed on sunglasses and include styles for both boys and girls.

Click here to find the latest sale on Ficklets.

Eye Controlled Computer Games for Disabled Children in the Works

Great news for children with disabilities who might not otherwise be able to use a mouse or a keyboard but want to play computer games.  Scientists at a university in the United Kingdom are developing new computer games that can be controlled by eye movements.  This will allow children who are severely disabled to play games.  Stephen Vickers, research lead, stated eye control "adds a whole new level of intelligence to games”.

Using eye tracking as a way of interacting with devices has been explored for a number of years, he noted, but his project is developing a more accessible, low-cost system, which will bring games into the reach of disabled children who cannot operate a mouse or keyboard.  They will be able to “push” buttons and direct a character by looking at different points on the screen.  In a spaceship game, he said, players can fire a gun by staring at a button.

In case you were wondering how it works, eye tracking uses an infrared light to identify where the eyes are looking and thus can measure the movements as the person looks around a computer screen.  By focusing on the on screen button, it simulates the same as using a mouse and cursor for the click button.

For more information, click here.

Buying Children's Glasses Online: Frugal or Unsafe?

According to a news story or a set of reports I just read, researchers found that nearly half of prescription glasses purchased online either contained the wrong lenses or did not meet the standards for impact testing.  If your child wears glasses, this is potentially a big deal considering the lens might be more predisposed to cracking and shattering.  This report was published last year in the journal of Optometry.  Keep in mind that it was a small study but the results might be worrisome for some parents.

The researchers ordered a total of 200 pairs of glasses from 10 of the most popular online retailers and evaluated 154 pairs they received.  The study does not state who these online retailers were or how they were able to come up with the criteria of "popular."   

Their findings included:

• Instances where single vision lenses were received instead of multi-focal
• Anti-reflection coatings were either incorrectly added or omitted.
• In nearly a quarter of glasses, at least one lens failed impact testing which is required due to glasses being deemed a medical device requiring a prescription per the FDA.

Additionally, "a lens might be slightly off in the optics; if you don't have someone verify (the prescription), you might not know it's wrong," said Karl Citek, a professor of optometry at the Pacific University College of Optometry and lead author of the study.  Citek does not recommend buying eyeglasses online. Vendors generally don't call your doctor to verify prescriptions, but even that "can't ensure that the lenses are safe since a doctor has no way of assessing impact resistance for finished eyewear," he said.

According to the Vision Council, a trade group for the optical industry, 1.9 million pairs were bought online in 2010, about 2.8 percent of the total 66.8 million pairs bought in the United States.

All is not lost if you really need to save money as Citek recommends asking your doctor to verify the prescription and to adjust the frame once you've received the glasses. Doctors may charge for this.  He also stated, "never order children's eyewear online," he said. The study finding that one in four pairs of children's eyewear failed impact resistance testing is "unconscionable," said Citek.

Read more: Eyeglasses bought online not always what doctor ordered | Aiken Standard
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

March Gift Card Gala 3/7 - 3/13

 

Do-It-Yourself Eye Test?

Yes, you read it correctly!  A do-it-yourself eye test will be available compliments of EyeNetra.  EyeNetra created this inexpensive tool that runs around $2~ and it's a plastic device that snaps onto a smartphone.  Just 'snap the Netra-G adapter onto a smartphone loaded with Netra-G software, follow the simple instructions, and quickly receive the measurements for your eyeglasses on the phone. NETRA-G measures nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It fits snugly in a pocket and requires minimal training to operate.'  NETRA stands for Near-Eye Tool for Refractive Assessment.  The way it works is you look through the device and use the arrows to align the patterns displayed.  

According to the company, 'the act of aligning the patterns gives a measure of the optical distortions of those regions and any required refractive correction is computed.  It can diagnose and provide a refraction regardless of whether you are near-sighted, far-sighted, or have astigmatism or presbyopia.  This easy-to-use device can be used for DIY eye exams and by minimally trained individuals in areas of the world where optometrists are not accessible and/or affordable.'

It's not available yet but it will be tested in markets this year in Brazil, India and Mexico and the United States will follow at some point.

Ficklets Loves Their Fans

We received new photos of a couple of beautiful little girls wearing their new Ficklets.  

  

Ficklets' goal is to get children to love their glasses so please keep sending us your photos and we look forward to hearing your feedback!

New Technology Revolutionizes Vision Care in Pediatric Offices

A new vision screener called Spot is being unveiled to pediatricians to help children ensure they are seeing properly.  It is estimated that over 12.5 million school age children struggle with reading books or seeing the blackboard.  Spot is reported in assessing a child's vision with accuracy, unmatched speed and delivery while providing immediate comprehensive results.  Efficiency is the key with Spot as it can capture the results in one second or less thus allowing for quicker exams as well as exams to larger audiences such as health fairs.


Spot is a hand held device with no wires so it is highly mobile.  The conversation around those who have already used Spot is glowing from Liz Moore, practicing manager at Middleton Pediatrics.

"The children have been very receptive to the screening," said Moore. "Typically, a manual screening takes several minutes to check a child's vision, however Spot allows us to capture an accurate result in just a few seconds. It is a short process designed to get their attention with lights and sounds, making it easy for our team to use."

"The children have been very receptive to the screening," said Moore. "Typically, a manual screening takes several minutes to check a child's vision, however Spot allows us to capture an accurate result in just a few seconds. It is a short process designed to get their attention with lights and sounds, making it easy for our team to use."

About PediaVision PediaVision is dedicated to solving the critical problem of undiagnosed vision problems and transforming the lives of thousands of children each day. Automated and objective vision screening empowers organizations in public health and private medicine to positively affect the outcomes of a child's education performance.

Supported by ophthalmologists, optometrists, scientists and leading technology innovators, the Spot vision screener is breakthrough technology and represents what vision screening should be.  For more information, including how to order Spot, please visit www.pediavision.com. 

Source:  PediaVision

Ficklets:  Eyewear charm huggers for children's glasses.

Vision App: Five Reasons for Having an Eye Examination

Apps are every where you turn.  There is an app for about everything under the sun so it didn't surprise me there is an app for vision and it's called Vision by AppZap.  For a simple 99 cent download, it provides information and help, tests and fun and eye exercises.  I haven't tried it out yet but I think it is one I will try for the eye exercise component.


I checked out the customer reviews and they have an overwhelming great response to the medical categorized app.

There is even an app to produce a Snellen Chart.  It's strongly suggested that it's not an entertainment app rather one for doctors and other medical care professionals.  EyeChart is a free app.


Have you tried any eye specific apps?  If so, please share what you thought about them and if there is one that isn't listed, share that!  

Vision Disability Number One Health Issue in Schools

Photo Courtesy of kidexam

According to a new report, vision disability is the number one health issue in schools.  Florida's VisionQuest found that at least 43% of the school population required eye glasses.  This number is high and scary given how many children might be suffering with poor grades due to their inability to see properly.  Earning good grades could affect a child's self-esteem and more.  VisionQuest is a non-profit started by Nancy Jeppesen in 1994 to help this unmet need.

"The U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that vision disability is the single most prevalent disabling condition among children. Approximately 80 percent(1) of what children learn in their early school years is visual, so if they can't see a teacher's writing on the blackboard, they will struggle. 

Today, of all school-age children across America, 25 percent suffer from a vision problem,(2) that is 12.5 million children who may be unable to see the blackboard or read their textbooks.  Research shows that of the children in the 9 to 15 year-old age group only 10 percent of those who needed glasses actually had them.(3)"

To read the entire article, click here on VisionQuest.

Give A Wink: A Charity Giving to Children's Eye Health

Ficklets enjoys hearing stories of good deeds and when it involves the eyes, our ears definitely perk up.  Children are our greatest resources for the future and should be afforded every opportunity for good health.  We heard about a business called Give Wink which is located in North Miami Beach.  Started by a mom, Francine Delarosa, Give Wink is a full service children's store that offers a wide selection of furniture, bedding, room decor, toys, games and more.  From that, Give a Wink was born.  Give a Wink is a charity started by Francine because she believes that the “eyes are the windows of the world.” 


Francine gives back to her community by donating a full eye exam and prescription glasses to a child in need from each sale of $100.  This wonderful concept does not costs the customer anything extra as once a customer purchases at least $100 of product(s), the charity begins. 


To donate money or prescription glasses to Give Wink, or find out more information about the charity or Give Wink products, please visit www.givewink.com.








Ficklets are eyewear charm huggers to help kids love their glasses.

NJGREATS FIRST EVER ACROSS THE BORDER GREATS

Check out NJGreats for this great post about Ficklets!

THE “A-HA” MOMENT THAT TURNED INTO FASHIONABLE BUSINESS

The first time I saw “Ficklets” on twitter, I had to find out what they were. I found out, they are not only fun to say, but fun to wear.Ficklets are charms for eyeglasses, invented by Ros Guerrero.  Inspired by her daughter Gem, one morning Ros looked across the breakfast bar counter at her, and the only part of her face she could see were her eyeglasses. She thought, those frames need some jazzing up. The idea for Ficklets was born.

Ros describes herself as a “serial entrenpreneur”. After spending 10 years in both retail and wholesale in the European luxury business, she and husband Roy became parents to Gem. They learned early on that she was born with a disability and starting their own business would be the best option for the family. For almost 7 years, Ros experienced commercial and residential investing, window treatment design and even was partners in a nail salon. Ficklets was the “a-ha” moment she was searching for.  After extensive market research, and a final prototype, they concluded that there was no concept like Ficklets in the market place. Her confirmation came when Gem wore them to school and came home with a note from the teacher saying her eyeglass charms got tons of attention from students and staff. 

To read more, please click on NJ Greats!

Public Health Resources for Vision Care

If you are in need of some assistance with vision care or need some information, check out these great resources:

  

Community Health Centers – partnering with the National Association of Community Health Centers, the AOA is working to improve access to center eye and vision care services.


Healthy Eyes Healthy People® – Healthy Eyes Healthy People® is an ambitious public-private initiative to improve the eye and visual health of the American public.


InfantSEE® – affords a one-time, comprehensive eye assessment at no cost for infants in their first years of life. 


VISION USA™ – helps low-income, uninsured people and their families by providing basic eye health and vision care services free of charge. 


Optometric Disaster Relief Fund – offers optometrists financial assistance for damages incurred from natural disasters.






*Information courtesy of Arizona Optometric Association



Ficklets are eyewear charm huggers to help kids love their glasses. 

First Eco Kids Ophthalmic Collection for Children

Photographed by Matt Lambros/Black Box Studios

Interested in non-toxic and hypoallergenic materials in your children's glasses?  Want the most eco-friendly glasses you can find?  Look no more as Modo has presented the first Eco Kids ophthalmic collection for children between the ages of 8 and 12 designed to match the Eco collection but with a playful touch. 


“We are thrilled to enter the kids category with Eco. It is certainly a great tool to educate children on actions that can improve our planet,” said Alessandro Lanaro, CEO of Modo. “We feel very proud of leading the sustainable category in the eyewear industry.” 

With over 11 styles, Eco Kids have created a new line of glasses that have specs such as a soft oval made of recycled acetate or thin square unisex frames made of recycled stainless steel.  

The collection reflects the many features of Eco which is an UL Environment Validation certifying the products are made from a minimum of 95% recycled stainless steel or acetate.  


When you are ready to exchange the old glasses, there is a system to donate unwanted frames via a mail in recycling program.  Each frame comes with a case made with recycled polyethylene terephthalate (soda bottles) and a box made with recycled paper and printed with soy ink.  Also, with each purchase, a tree is planted with Trees for the Future which is a non-profit.

Importance of Good Vision Health

Vision health is an important part of one's life and is often overlooked until an obvious problem presents itself.  Given January is National Glaucoma Month, it's an ideal time to get those peepers checked!  My eight year old was diagnosed with an optic pit and required glasses almost a year ago.  I had no idea as she never had any complaints but when the headaches started and her school work started to slip, I knew it was time to get her eyes checked.  If you are like me and you didn't really know a lot about vision tests and how to choose the right doctor, you can check out the Zeiss educational tools. 


I did learn that once you reach age 40, you might become one of most adults who suffer from presbyopia which is a result of crystalline lens of the eye losing its flexibility making it difficult to focus up close.  


Do you know the differences between an optometrist, ophthalmologist and an optician?  Sounds confusing doesn't it?  The optometrist performs the eye exams and writes the prescriptions.  They can also diagnose and treat some medical conditions of the eye.  An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who can treat a full range of eye diseases and conditions.  They also perform surgery for cataracts and other eye conditions.  An optician fills the prescription.

Some other common vision problems include:

1. Nearsightedness – condition in which visual images come to a focus in front of the retina, causing blurry distance vision
    
2. Farsightedness – condition in which visual images come to a focus behind the retina making it more difficult for the eyes to focus on near objects
    
3. Astigmatism – condition in which the cornea's curvature is asymmetrical, so light rays are focused at two points rather than one, resulting in blurred vision

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Make sure you are getting your annual eye exam and check out the resources to help ensure you pick out the right doctor!

Children: Contact Lenses and Emergency Room Trips

Photo courtesy of Cute Kids Glasses

Last year, Pediatrics published a story from the American Academy of Ophthalmology in which they reviewed emergency room medical records from over 100 hospitals between 2004 and 2005.  They found that nearly 34,000 cases a year were due to contact lens injury in children and teens.  The majority were with teens in the 16 and 21 years category with 11 and 15 years olds second.  This was an interesting study as I had no idea how many children were and are injured by contact lens wear.  One thing noted is it didn't mention if these lenses were prescription or those fashionable, trendy over the counter ones you can purchase to alter the appearance of the eyes.


To me, this is alarming and perhaps a renewed look has to be done on proper education for children acquiring a contact lens prescription.  I myself, will hold off a bit longer for my eight year old.  I think it's definitely something she should be older for and of course, dependent on the maturity level of the child.


Does your child wear contact lenses and if so, how old is he/she when they started to wear them?

Ficklets Featured on Little Four Eyes

 Ficklets is very honored to be featured as part of the Little Four Eyes directory of blogs and bloggers focusing on children's vision and eyeglass products.  Little Four Eyes is a community for family and friends of little ones in glasses, contacts or patches.  There are great tips and resources if your child is new to glasses or have been wearing them for awhile.  They are also on Facebook.


Take a minute and check them out and see what an invaluable resource they are!  


Thank you for including Ficklets.




 

Ficklets are eyewear charm huggers to help kids love their glasses.

Specialized Eyeglasses for Children with Special Needs by Specs4Us

If your child is a special needs child, did you know there are eyeglasses that cater to their unique needs?  Specs4Us carry eyeglasses for children with Down Syndrome and other special needs.  Specs4Us was created and founded in 2004 by Maria Dellapina with over 25 years in the optical industry.  Maria is also the mother to a child with Down Syndrome.  After spending two years trying to find the right frame,  she used her own experience to finally create this unmet need.  "Erin's World" is the frame line inspired by her own daughter.  


The frame has a bridge that is adjusted to fit smaller noses and the temples (also called arms) are designed to stop the frames from slipping.  They are available in a variety of sizes and styles to fit toddlers through adult.  Here is a sample of available frames:

Vintage Eyeglasses: Making a Come Back?

 Are you a fan of vintage eyeglasses?  If so, you might want to check out some of these cute designs.  Whether it's the cat eyeglass frame or the horn rimmed, there are so many styles to choose from if you are feeling a bit nostalgic.  I was surprised at how many vendors there are still carrying this great supply, and sometimes not so great, array of vintage eyeglasses.  I even found vintage eyeglasses for children if they have a feel for the good ol' days.


One thing I noticed about the vintage eyeglasses are the rhinestones used.  Why did they ever go out of fashion as us women love our bling.  They do seem to be a bit more flashy in some instances but the classic horn shaped seemed to be the most popular based on all those old high school photos.  If you are in the market for vintage eyeglasses, just search "vintage eyeglasses" and you will find a ton of stores that should be able to cater to all your needs!

  

Ficklets are eyewear charm huggers to help kids love their glasses.