Glasses for Kids

Glasses for Kids

Glasses for Kids​

CDC statistics indicate that approximately 3% of kids aged between 2 and 5 years wear glasses, and the percentage keeps rising with age: approximately 20% – 26% between ages 6 and 11 years and approximately 35% – 48% between ages 12 and 17 years¹. This makes it crucial for parents to learn about children’s visual health to stay on top of their development. We can help you understand that! Let’s talk about our recommended eyeglasses for kids, symptoms of eye conditions in kids, early detection, and more.

The Importance of Early Detection

It’s possible to detect eye conditions early before they require eyeglasses, among other interventions. The key is to know the most common vision conditions among infants and how to detect them. As per the National Institute of Health², they include:

  1. Delayed visual development: This is characterised by poor vision levels detectable by an inability to follow brightly coloured targets or objects at about six months old. This is when a child’s contrast sensitivity, colour vision, and ability to focus has decreased rapidly.
  2. Watery and/or sticky eyes: As the name suggests, this vision condition can be detected by excessive watery and sticky eyes that causes discomfort.
  3. Squinting: This sign is usually common between ages 1 and 3 years when a child squints and can’t see clearly when focusing on a new object.
  4. Swollen eyes and/or lump around the eye(s): This is depicted as eyelid swelling that affects both eyes rapidly. The condition has many underlying causes.

Common Symptoms of Eye Conditions in Kids

The above vision conditions have common symptoms to look out for. They include;

  • Rubbing eyes excessively
  • Eye strain when reading/holding reading material/books too close to the face
  • Trouble doing “close-up” tasks
  • Crossed eyes
  • Red eyes and/or swollen eyes
  • Headaches
  • Watery eyes
  • Squinting
  • Blurred/double vision
  • Tilting head to see
  • Eye sensitivity to light

Kids Eye Exam

Kids are subjected to different eye exams when they visit a pediatric optometrist. These exams are the best way for our professional optometrist to determine whether or not your child has any visual conditions we need to take care of. You can book a consultation with us to get your child an eye exam that can help prevent or manage any possible conditions. Keep in mind that you can have a covered eye exam for kids thanks to OHIP!

Some of the most common eye tests for kids include:

  1. Depth perception test: This aims to test if a patient has trouble perceiving distance.
  2. Worth’s Four Dot test: This test assesses for binocular vision (double vision).
  3. Visual acuity test: This test assesses their vision level and normal visual responses depending on age i.e., blinking and reaction to light.
  4. Extraocular motility test: This tests for eye muscle function by observing eye movement in specific directions³.

 

Eyeglasses For Kids: How To Choose the Right Pair of Glasses?

Let’s assume your kid already has a prescription that requires eyeglasses. The next step will be to find the right pair of glasses for them, and we’re here to give you some guidance. First off, allow us to provide a professional tip: we recommend you allow your child to be part of the eyewear selection process. This will help them feel involved in the decision and make the process easier and comfortable for them. Ask them about their favourite colour, what they think looks the best, and have them just try many different eyewear to create a fun experience.

After that, we can focus on the following aspects:

Style, Comfort, And Types of Lenses

It’s important to consider the lens and frame style that best fits your child. Depending on factors like the shape of your kid’s face, some frame shapes will look better on them than others. For instance, a round face works well with rectangular or square frame shapes. A square face will work well with oval or round frame shapes.

Comfort is another important consideration. For your child to truly enjoy the benefits of eyeglasses, they should be able to wear them most of the time, which means they must be comfortable. To ensure this, look into the nose pads and flexible/fitting frames, have them do a few movements to see how well they stay on their face, etc. Confirming the recommended lens type and lens upgrades your kid needs is also crucial, otherwise, their visual experience will not be great and the child will not want to wear the eyeglasses. Comfort and using the best prescription are key for a child to understand how important eyeglasses are for them.

The Child’s Opinion Matters

Involving your child in the decision process also means asking them relevant questions to get their opinion on the matter. To select functional, but cool glasses for your kid, we recommend you do the following:

  • Ask what colour/s they like
  • Ask what activities they like to do, to ensure the glasses fit their lifestyle
  • Find glasses frames that fit them perfectly to ensure they are comfortable and less likely to take them off during the day. Look for the right size and temple length so that it is comfortable on the nose and behind the ear.

Our Recommendations for Eyeglasses for Kids

If you are ready to begin looking for a pair of kids glasses, but don’t know where to start, we can give you suggestions! Here are our professional brand recommendations: NanoVista and Tomato Glasses.

a. Nano Vista

Nano Vista is a leading eyeglasses brand for kids that prides itself in making indestructible eyeglasses. The glasses come with a 3-year manufacturer defect warranty. Durability aside, Nano Vista glasses have also been made by true vision health experts specialised in children and adolescents. The brand uses environmentally friendly and safe materials to make their products (BPA-free).

Our top Nano Vista eyeglasses for kids include:

I. Replay

These bestseller kids’ glasses are available in 8 colours. They can also double up as glasses for boys and girls. Notable features include superior durability, flexibility, and comfort. They also come with an elastic band, as many of the Nano glasses do.

II. Twitch

There are four colour options to choose from and various sizes. Nano Vista Twitch goggles have notable features like ultra resistance, lightweight, and super flexible material.

b. Tomato Glasses

Tomato Glasses is a leading Canadian and Asian eyeglasses brand for kids renowned for offering perfectly fitting glasses for every child. The glasses feature adjustable temples & nose pads. They are unmatched in comfort, have a unique design and come with a free spare parts kit, just in case. They also offer customizable non-slip glasses perfect for active kids.

There are three main frame types by age: baby frames, kids frames, and junior frames to choose from. Our top 3 tomato glasses for kids include:

I. Kids Rectangular Frame (Pink)

These eyeglasses are popular among 2 to 8 year-olds. They come with notable features like non-slip, comfortable, lightweight, and well-fitting frames.

II. Kids Oval Frame (Crystal Blue featuring cars)

These glasses are popular for kids aged 1 to 7 years old. Notable features include an intelligent shape/design, unique nose pads, adjustable ear tips, and comfortable non-slip frames.

III. Kids Wayfarer Frame (Crystal Clear with Blue Sparkles)

These glasses are perfect for kids aged 1 to 6 years who prefer clear frames, among other trendy features.

Kodak Lens: Back-to-school Eyeglasses Sale

If you want more information or are looking for the best eyewear for your kids to go back to school you can check out our promotion for kids 19 and under, which runs up until September 30, 2023.

Sunglasses For Kids: Our Top Choices

Kids also need UV protection for their eyes, especially active ones who enjoy the outdoors. When selecting sunglasses for kids, consider fit, comfort, and sturdiness (frame and lens). Once again, we recommend you involve your child in the selection process.

Ready to buy sunglasses for your kids? Consider our top picks from Nano Vista.

Nano Vista has three main categories, namely prescription sunglasses, non-prescription sunglasses, and sunglasses for babies under 4 years. Here are our recommendations in each category:

I. Sunglasses for Babies: Nanito

These sunglasses come in a wide range of colours (11 colours). Other notable features include a high-quality lens with blue block treatment. The lenses are also anti-reflective. Frames are durable and lightweight without metal parts.

II. Prescription Sunglasses for Kids: Flicker SC

These sunglasses come in four colours. Notable features include their indestructibility and super flexibility. The Flicker SC are also light glasses with a magnetic sun clip that offers protection from UV light in one “clip”.

III. Non-prescription Sunglasses for Kids: Boing

These sunglasses for kids come in six colours. They also stand out for their resistant and lightweight nature, flexible temples, and anti-reflective/anti-scratch lenses.

And speaking of kids’ glasses and vision health…

Did You Know There Is a Myopia Epidemic Among Kids?

Myopia or near-sightedness is a vision condition where one has difficulty seeing faraway objects clearly. The average myopia prevalence globally is approximately 22.9%. By 2060, it is estimated that 69% of preschool children will be myopic, representing a 26% increase⁴.

Decreased exposure to the outdoors and excessive screen time (from digital devices like phones, computers, and tablets) are largely to blame⁵ and are rapidly becoming the leading cause of myopia in children.

How Can You Help Control Myopia in Kids?

If your child already has myopia, don’t worry! This condition can be managed using myopia control lenses. This technology is not always available at every optical store, but luckily we do carry it here at Kodak Lens Vision Centre. Innovative ophthalmic lenses for myopia slow down progression and increase the quality of life. You can learn more about why you should get myopia control lenses for your kid right here in our other educational post.

Contact Lenses for Kids: A Great Alternative for Active Children

Finally, let’s assume typical prescription glasses aren’t ideal for your child because they are too active, are there any other options? Definitely! You can get contact lenses for kids.

  • Prescription contact lenses help children who are active in sports perform at the highest levels while staying safe.
  • They are also a good option for kids who don’t want to wear glasses due to their appearance, they can always opt for contacts instead.
  • Contacts can offer better vision compared to glasses, especially for children with extreme myopia and look around a lot.
  • There are contact lenses for myopia control and management

If you are wondering what myopia control contact lens brand to consider for your child, look into Acuvue Abiliti contact lenses. They have a proven record of efficacy, offer ringboost technology, and have pediatric-inspired lens design. However, our optometrist can recommend many other contact lens brands that fit your child’s visual needs and comfort.

We hope this guide can help you make the right choices when it comes to your kids’ visual health. We’ll be glad to assist you at every step of the way, from checking their eye health with an eye exam especially tailored to their needs, to finding the right pair of eyewear for them and their lifestyle. Remember, you can book a free eye exam for kids thanks to OHIP coverage! As members of the Ontario Association of Optometrists, our doctors participate in the Eye See Eye Learn program, providing FREE eye examinations and FREE eyeglasses to children in junior kindergarten. We also offer our great Back to School promotions annually. Visit any of our locations to know more and get your child’s vision on track.

 

 

Introducing ACUVUE® Abiliti™ Contact Lenses

Introducing ACUVUE® Abiliti™ Contact Lenses

Introducing ACUVUE® Abiliti™ Contact Lenses

    Let’s talk about Myopia. What is it?

    Myopia is a chronic, progressive disease, in which the eye grows too long. 1-3 We used to think of myopia as just nearsightedness, but we now know it’s so much more, and can lead to blindness later in life because of the abnormal eye growth.

    Myopia is an increasing epidemic found all around the world. In fact, by 2050, 50% of the world’s population will have myopia. Risk factors for developing myopia may be spending less time outdoors, increase in near work (reading, screen time), and parents who have myopia.

    Watch the video below to understand Myopia and its impact

    YouTube video

    What are the risks of Myopia?

    Short Term: In the short term, myopia means patients struggle to see far away without vision correction. This can lead to poor performance in school and less enjoyment playing sports or other activities.

    Long Term: Myopia can lead to sight-threatening complications as the patient gets older. These risks include:

    Rx Changes Matter

    There is no safe level of myopia. For example, every additional diopter of myopia increases the risk of Myopic Macular Degeneration, a sight-threatening eye disease, by 67%. This means that every prescription change matters.

    Talk to an Eye Doctor

    Normal vision correction glasses will help you see, but they will not help slow the progression of myopia. Talk to your doctor about specialized treatment options for myopia management. There are also lifestyle changes that can help:

    The Solution: Abiliti 1-Day or Overnight Soft Therapeutic Contact Lenses for Myopia Management

    Breakthrough innovation designed for slowing the progression of myopia in children.

    Proven Efficacy

    • Specifically designed for slowing the progression of myopia in children1 and shown to reduce axial elongation by 0.105mm, in as little as 6 months.

    RingBoost Technology

    • Breakthrough RingBoost™ technology, a specialized optical design where light which passes through the outer treatment zone is focused in front of the retina but o the line of sight in a ring around the axis.

    Pediatric Eye-Inspired Design

    • Made from the same silicone hydrogel material (senofilcon A) as ACUVUE® OASYS 1-Day, which has never been beaten in comfort.
    YouTube video
    YouTube video

    REFERENCES 1. Flitcroft DI. The complex interactions of retinal, optical and environmental factors in myopia aetiology. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2012;31(6):622-660. 2. Donovan L, Sankaridurg P, Ho A et al Myopia progression rates in urban children wearing single-vision spectacles. OVS 2012;89(1):27-32. 3. Pärssinen O, Kauppinen M. Risk factors for high myopia: a 22-year follow-up study from childhood to adulthood. Acta Ophthalmologica. 2019;97(5):510-518. 4. Holden BA, Fricke TR, Wilson DA, et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology 2016;123:1036-42. 5. Wu PC, Chen CT, Chang LC, Niu YZ, Chen ML, Liao LL, Rose K, Morgan IG. Increased Time Outdoors Is Followed by Reversal of the Long-Term Trend to Reduced Visual Acuity in Taiwan Primary School Students. Ophthalmology. 2020 Nov;127(11):1462-1469. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2020.01.054. 6. Huang HM, Chang DS, Wu PC. The Association between Near Work Activities and Myopia in Children-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One. 2015 Oct 20;10(10):e0140419. 7. Tedja MS, Haarman AEG, Mees ter-Smoor MA, Kaprio J, Mackey DA, Guggenheim JA, Hammond CJ, Verhoeven VJM, Klaver CCW; CREAM Consortium. IMI – Myopia Genetics Report. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2019 Feb 28;60(3):M89-M105. 8. World Health Organization The impact of Myopia and High Myopia – Report of the Joint World Health Organization -Brien Holden Vision Institute Global Scientifi c Meeting 9. Haarman AEG, Enthoven CA, Willem Tideman JL, Tedja MS, Verhoeven VJM, Klaver CCW. The complications of myopia: A review and meta analysis. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 2020;61(4):49-49. 10. Bullimore MA, Brennan NA. Myopia-control: Why Each Diopter Matters. Optom Vis Sci 2019;96:463-5. 11. Wu PC, Chen CT, Lin KK, et al. Myopia Prevention and Outdoor Light Intensity in a School-Based Cluster Randomized Trial. Ophthalmology. 2018;125(8):1239-1250. 12. He M, Xiang F, Zeng Y, et al. E ect of time spent outdoors at school on the development of myopia among children in China a randomized clinical trial. JAMA—Journal of the American Medical Association. 2015;314(11):1142-1148.

    Learn more at: www.seeyourabiliti.com/ca

    Why should you see an Optometrist for a contact lens fitting?

    Why should you see an Optometrist for a contact lens fitting?

    Why should you see an Optometrist for a contact lens fitting?​

    Having a clear vision enables us to experience the world around us in authentic ways. Good eyesight is essential for numerous reasons ranging from an improved quality of life to the ability to complete everyday tasks. We have to take proper care of our eyes to maintain our vision and enjoy optimal eye health. As our needs change, the ways in which we care for our eyes can also vary. Although wearing glasses and contact lenses are some of the best methods of vision correction available, they differ in their functionality.

    Unlike eyeglasses, wearing contact lenses can be practical for people who have an active life given that you don’t have to worry about them getting dirty or steaming up. Since they sit directly on the eye, they do not have the tendency to fall off while you are going about your daily activities. Contact lenses are great, but you have to make sure you are wearing the right ones for you. Your unique contact lens prescription enables you to use contact lenses that fit properly and can result in the best vision correction method for you. To get this particular prescription, we recommend you book a contact lens fitting appointment with one of our optometrists, they will ensure the process is done correctly and will keep your overall vision health as their top priority.

     

    What is an Optometrist?

     

     

    An optometrist is a healthcare professional who specializes in primary care of the eyes. They are licensed to practice optometry, which includes examining the eyes, diagnosing and treating any disorders or diseases affecting vision. They can also provide prescriptions and treatment necessary for vision correction. Although they are not medical doctors (MD), they have a doctor of optometry degree (OD), which means they are highly qualified for this and a range of multiple other eye-health-related procedures1

    What does an optometrist do?

    Optometrists carry out a number of functions including:

    • Providing comprehensive eye health exams through various testing
    • Prescribing contact lens and eyeglasses prescriptions for each specific visual need
    • Assessing, monitoring, and treating eye conditions, diseases and abnormalities
    • Prescribing eye medications and offering vision correction aids and therapy.2
    • Recommending eye health advice and a full suite of eye care services

    What is a Contact Lens Fitting?

     

    A contact lens fitting is another specific process that an optometrist can assist you with. It involves assessing your eye health to determine if you’re a good contact lens candidate. The fitting will also help accurately determine and finalize your contact lens prescription through eye health and visual testing. You will undergo a contact lens exam that measures and assesses your pupil, cornea, and tear film.

    During this process, the optometrist will check for any changes in vision or eye conditions that can affect your contact lens-wearing experience. Our optometrist will help determine the exact contact lens power and size that you require for clear vision and comfort. A contact lens prescription requires a different refraction compared to eyeglasses because contact lenses rest directly on your cornea whereas eyeglasses fit on your nose and are slightly away from your eyes. This slight distance (approximately 12 – 15 mm) can impact your overall vision. Using an eyeglass prescription for contact lenses may not lead to the best visual experience you’re looking for and that is why we recommend seeing an optometrist for a comprehensive contact lens fitting.

     

    Why Should You See an Optometrist for a Contact Lens Fitting?

     

    Some people might think their eyeglasses prescription is the same as the contact lens prescription, but that’s not true. This is why the process of getting contact lenses might not be as easy as simply choosing a brand and hoping that it meets your vision correction needs. It is not enough to select the pair that says “astigmatism” and input prescription numbers that you think are correct, there are a few more steps involved to make sure you’re buying quality contact lenses that will provide you with the necessary vision correction and comfort.

    That is where our experienced optometrist comes in. Our optometrist will help you choose the best contact lens suitable for your lifestyle and eye health needs. The contact lens fitting process covers different testing and steps that are all focused on maintaining your overall vision, eye health and finalizing the perfect contact lenses for you. At each step of the way, the optometrist will gather the necessary information to make a recommendation while checking for any eye conditions or complications that could interfere with wearing contact lenses. Wearing contact lenses with the incorrect size can lead to discomfort and cause eye strain, infections, injury, and eye health issues3. An optometrist will ensure that you get fitted without compromising on your comfort so you can receive a great visual experience.

     

    Benefits of Booking a Contact Lens Fitting

     

    Contact lenses can help correct many refractive errors and lead to clearer vision. Without the right fit, they can lead to discomfort and contact lens complications such as red eyes, irritation and possibly infection. A contact lens fitting can help you determine your contact lens prescription and brand so that it meets your lifestyle and visual needs.

    Benefits of a contact lens fitting include:

    • Getting the exact measurements for your cornea so that your contact lenses are comfortable and fit naturally on the front surface of your eyes.
    • Being able to update your contact lens prescription as it can change over time. When your contact lens prescription changes, you can start experiencing symptoms like eye strain, squinting, or eye fatigue.
    • Learn proper contact lens care and be trained to insert or remove them carefully to prevent any eye problems like an eye infection.
    • Have the opportunity to trial all types of contact lenses and technology to best match your eyes and visual needs
    • Aside from finding the correct contact lens size, ensuring you have the right type will also be important. There are many kinds of contact lenses to choose from, such as soft contacts, hard (RGP – Rigid Gas Permeable) lenses, multifocal lenses, toric lenses for astigmatism, disposable daily lenses, monthly lenses and much more. Our optometrist will be glad to help you make the right decision for you.
    • Click here to see everything included in a contact lens fitting

    Our optometrists are highly experienced professionals who are ready to help you maintain your eye health and achieve long-lasting comfort with your contact lenses. If you are looking to book a contact lens fitting, our team of optometrists at Kodak Lens Vision Centres will be glad to help you. We provide premium eye care and contact lens solutions that start with experienced fitting services. Our team will attend to you with the care that your eyes deserve so that you receive the right prescription and maximum comfort from your contact lens.

    Still interested in trying contact lenses? We recommend booking a consultation with us. Our eye care professionals will help assess and address your visual, eye health and contact lens candidacy so that you can finally experience all the great benefits of contact lenses.

    5 Eye Care Bedtime Tips for Contact Lens Users

    5 Eye Care Bedtime Tips for Contact Lens Users

    5 Eye Care Bedtime Tips for Contact Lens Users

    5 Eye Care Bedtime Tips for Contact Lens Users

    Contact lens wearers will agree that their lenses provide them with more convenience than other forms of vision correction. Although a pair of glasses are also very effective, some wearers agree that they come with certain distractions. With contact lenses, you will not have to worry about them steaming up, getting dirty, or generally falling off, as it commonly happens with eyeglasses. We know there are many benefits associated with using contact lenses, and what a convenient option they are.

    There are a few recommendations you should keep in mind in order to properly take care of your contact lenses and ensure they remain a viable option for you. In particular, let’s take a look at how to best care for your contact lenses, and your eyes, around bedtime.

    Can you sleep with contact lenses?

    Sorry, the answer is always no. If you would like to sleep while wearing your contact lenses, the first thing you need to know is that you can’t do this with just any type of contact lenses: you must use extended-wear or specially designed day and night contact lenses1. These are designed to allow a significant amount of oxygen to pass through the contact lenses directly to your cornea. They are usually made with thinner materials (silicone hydrogel) compared to daily disposable lenses or reusable contact lenses.

    Sleeping with regular contact lenses, on the other hand, can predispose your eyes to infections or ulcers. If you happen to fall asleep by accident, you should remove them carefully. Your contact lens will be drier and tighter in this scenario, causing you discomfort and increasing the risk of damage to your cornea when removing it. The longer you use the dried out contact lens increases the risk of your eye health. For safer handling, use your contact lens rewetting drops to hydrate the lens, which will allow you to remove them carefully. Once the lenses are out, you can use your prescribed eye drops once again to make sure your eyes are properly hydrated.

    Sleeping with regular contact lenses

    Eye care bedtime tips for contact lens users

    If you don’t use extended-wear lenses we recommend you have a proper nighttime routine after a long day of wearing your contact lenses. For women, remember these tips should come before your skincare routine. More precisely: be sure to take out your contact lenses before removing your makeup2.

    Here are some tips for caring for your eyes and protecting your vision:

    1. Give your eyes a break

    Regardless of how comfortable your lenses might be, if they are not specifically made to be worn for extended periods of time then you must remove your lenses every night. This is because after you have been wearing them for a while, your contact lenses create a seal over your eyes3. Depending on the material of the lenses, your eyes won’t always receive the necessary amount of oxygen. A lack of oxygen can cause several issues to your eyes, such as hypoxia, hazy vision, acute red eye, and some eye infections4. The easiest way to avoid this is by simply removing your lenses each night, allowing your eyes to rest and receive the much-needed levels of oxygen.

    2. Begin by washing your hands and towel them dry.

    Ensure that you wash your hands before touching your contact lens regardless of the time of day. You can use tap water and mild soap and rinse thoroughly, then dry with a clean, lint-free towel. Washing your hands before you touch your contact lenses can prevent particles and harmful bacteria from entering your eyes, thereby lowering the risk of eye infections. Remember to be extra careful about your lenses never coming into contact with tap water5.

    3. Clean your contact lens and case

    Clean your contact lens and case

    Start by cleaning your contact lens storage case using a sterile solution or hot water, then allow it to air dry. You can then remove your contacts, and clean them properly by rubbing them with your now clean fingers and rinsing them with the solution recommended by your Optometrist6. The lifetime of a contact lens case is approximately 3 months and after that time, you should replace the case with a new one. A clean contact lens case will help avoid any unwanted bacteria that can impact your contact lenses and eyes.

    4. Use eye drops and contact lens solution

    After you remove your contact lenses, you can use eye drops to hydrate your eyes. To safely store your lenses overnight, remember to thoroughly coat the inside of their case with contact lens solution and allow the lenses to soak while you sleep. The solution will rehydrate the lenses as well as help in the cleaning process7, so you can wake up to a fresher pair of lenses in the morning. Monthly contact lenses need to be cleaned every night in a contact lens case for 8 hours or more with multi-purpose contact lens solution. Ask our Optometrist what contact lens solution is best for your eyes.

    5. Stay away from screens

    Allow your eyes to rest once you take out your contacts. Instead of straining them with the blue light from your screen, keep your devices away for an hour before bed. You can take this opportunity to read a book or go to bed early, your eyes will thank you for it.

    Stay away from screens

    These tips will help you take proper care of your contact lens and your eyes, especially around bedtime. Stay in touch with your Optometrist to ensure that you are treating your eyes and your contact lenses right. Check out our range of contact lenses and other eye care products or book a consultation with one of our eye doctors to get you on the right track to caring for your eyes.

    Together we can help our planet!

    Together we can help our planet!

    We help save the planet through contact lens recycling and eyeglasses donations!

    Did you know? 290+ million contacts end up in Canadian landfills or waterways every year.

    Now is the time to do more to help the environment. We all have a role to play – companies, communities and individuals when helping the planet. We think it is important to keep damaging microplastics out of our waterways or landfills. To achieve this, we are willing to make a difference by recycling contact lenses.

    If you agree with the above, it means you’re ready to join our Every Contact Counts recycling program sponsored by Bausch & Lomb, the creator of Ultra and Biotrue contact lenses. Join the movement – Start recycling your contact lenses today!

    HOW IT WORKS:

    First Step: Locate one of our Kodak Lens Vision Centre locations to recycle the contact lenses. Ask us about Bausch + Lomb contact lenses and how you can recycle your contact lenses. We accept any blister packs with contact lenses inside for any contact lens brand. Please remember to dispose of the solution.

    Second Step: Collect your discarded lenses and blister packs in any re-usable or single use container/bag. We can provide you a pouch to collect your contact lenses and blister packs.

    Third Step: Drop off your collected waste at your nearest Kodak Lens Vision Centre location. You can drop off your filled recycling pouch or singlue use container/bag in our recycling bin or hand it to us directly at our front desk/reception area.

    Fourth Step: Start again! Repeat the cycle and begin collecting again.

    Recycling guidelines

    Make sure all excess liquids, such as contact lens solution, are removed. If you choose to rinse your product, ensure it is completely dry.

    Please do not include cardboard boxes in your collections, as these are recyclable through regular municipal recycling.

    With the help of our Eye Care Professionals, Bausch + Lomb and Terracycle, we will help you dispose of your contact lenses properly and safely to protect our environment. Simply collect your used lenses and blister packs and drop them off at any of our Kodak Lens Vision Centre locations.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What is Bausch + Lomb's Every Contact Counts Recycling Program?

    The Bausch + Lomb Every Contact Counts Recycling Program allows contact lenses and packaging to be recycled properly, with the goal of reducing landfill waste associated with contact lenses. It is the first contact lens recycling program in Canada and is in partnership with TerraCycle, a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle waste.

     

    Why can't I recycle my contact lenses with my other plastic/recyclable items in Ontario?

    Recycling centers do not support the recycling of contact lenses. Due to the size of contact lenses and their packaging, these materials get filtered out at recycling facilities and directed to the waste stream, contributing to landfills across Canada.

     

    Can I put my contact lens waste in larger sealable containers for recycling?

    Recycling centers have sorting processes to identify and open sealed containers. If any contaminants are found (food waste, contact lenses, other unrecyclable items), the entire container, and in some cases the entire load are diverted to landfill waste streams. Please strictly follow the guidelines.

     

     

    How do I send in my contact lens waste?

    To participate in the program, visit one of our Kodak Lens Vision Centres or a local eye care practitioner that offers the Every Contact Counts recycling service. You can locate participating clinics using our Map Locator Tool.

     

     

     

    What can I recycle through this program?

    You can recycle waste associated with contact lenses, including:

    • Contact lenses
    • Top foil
    • Opened, dried plastic blister packs

    Unopened blister packs are not accepted through this program and should not be included in your shipment.
    Please note: Bausch + Lomb contact lens cardboard boxes are recyclable through regular municipal recycling. Please do not include them in your shipments through this program

     

     

     

    Can I only recycle Bausch + Lomb contact lens brands?

    You may collect and recycle any brand of contact lens waste for this recycling program.

     

    Do I need to clean the contact lens waste before I send it in?

    No, you do not need to clean the waste before bringing it to any of our Kodak Lens Vision Centre locations. However, please ensure each blister pack is dry and remove as much of the liquid from blister packs as possible before dropping off your waste.

     

     

    What happens to the contact lens waste?

    Once received, the contact lenses and blister packs are separated and cleaned. The metal layers of the blister packs are recycled separately, while the contact lenses and plastic blister pack components are melted into plastic that can be remolded to make recycled products.

     

     

     

    What kind of products does the recycled contact lens waste create?

    Contact lens associated waste has been upcycled into a large variety of new plastic products including benches, picnic tables, playground equipment and more. Stay tuned to the Every Contact Counts program to learn what your waste will be upcycled into!

     

     

     

     

    Why should I participate?

    Participating in the Bausch + Lomb Every Contact Counts Recycling Program benefits our environment by reducing the amount of waste deposited to landfills across the country. As a Canadian contact lens wearer, it is an opportunity to do your part as it relates to your contact lens waste and progressing to a cleaner environment.

     

     

     

     

     

    We accept any used Eyeglasses & Sunglasses Donations

    An out-of-sight opportunity to aid the vision impaired people of the world! We will transfer your used and doanted eyeglasses to support Lions Recycle for Sight program. So far, Lions in Canada have sent over 5.5 million pairs of used eyeglasses to about 90 countries around the world.

    How it works:

    1. You donate your used eyeglasses and/or sunglasses by dropping them off at any of our Kodak Lens Vision Centre locations.
    2. We will transfer your used eyeglasses and/or sunglasses to Lions Recycle for Sight, which collect your used glasses and forward them to the Canadian Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centre.
    3. The Canadian Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centre team will clean, sort eyeglasses by prescription, and packages the collected eyeglasses.

    Once ready, Lions will ship your used eyeglasses to somewhere they are needed. Your old eyeglasses make a big difference to somebody who really needs them.

    Introducing  ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day

    Introducing ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day

    Introducing ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day

      Did you know? Life has changed, impacting our eyes

      • Adults spend 13+ hours daily on digital devices: 35% increase since 2019
      • 60% less blinking from looking at digital screens compromisesthe tear film and can cause discomfort
      • 71% say screen time or the total demands of work and life have increased in the last 2 years
      • Blue-violet light is all around us, all day
      • Blue-violet light scatter impacts visual clarity

      INTRODUCING A BREAKTHROUGH IN CONTACT LENS PERFORMANCE

      ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-DAY is designed with a combination of 2 NEW technologies.

      SEE IF THEY’RE RIGHT FOR YOU

      Book an appointment today and ask us about ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-DAY.

       

      TearStable™ Technology

      • Optimizes wetting agent distribution throughout the lens and on the surface.
      • Prolongs tear film stability
      • Delivers 2x lower evaporation rate vs. DAILIES Total1®, MyDay® and Ultra®

      OptiBlue™ Light Filter

      • Provides 60% blue-violet light filtering – the highest level in the industry
      • Reduces light scatter
      • Reduces halos
      • Reduces starbursts
      • Provides Class 1 level UV blocking: 99.9% UVA and 100% UVB

      Proven on-eye performance in clinical trials

      • 90% reported all-day comfort
      • 86% reported reduced feeling of tired eyes with digital devices
      • Greater than 95% reported clarity with digital devices
      • Nearly 100% reported clear, reliable vision

      ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-DAY MULTIFOCAL

      ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-DAY MULTIFOCAL is designed with 3 powerful technologies united to meet more presbyopic needs.

      The intense demands of today are even more troubling for the aging eye

      • Accommodation declines, impacting near vision
      • Tear film break up time reduces 50% by age 50, which can lead to dryness and inconsistent vision
      • Light scatter doubles by age 60, resulting in increased visual artifacts

      Book an appointment today and ask us about ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-DAY MULTIFOCAL.

       

      TearStable™ Technology

      • Optimizes wetting agent distribution throughout the lens and on the surface.
      • Prolongs tear film stability
      • Delivers 2x lower evaporation rate vs. DAILIES Total1®, MyDay® and Ultra®

      Pupil Optimized Design For vision at all distances

      • Only ACUVUE® tailors 100% of parameters to pupil size variations across both age and refraction
      • Same unique optical design across all ACUVUE® Multifocal contact lenses
      • 92% of wearers successfully fit in first pair at first visit

      Why pupil optimized design matters:

      Proven on-eye performance in clinical trials

      • 94% report clear vision when using a digital device
      • 80% report clear vision near, far and in-between
      • 94% report comfort throughout the day
      • 90% report end-of-day comfort

      Sources: OASYS MAX Launch 4pg Booklet