Aston optometrists trial smart glasses that monitor eye health

Optometrists at Aston University are trialling smart glasses fitted with sensors that monitor eye health and behaviour throughout the day, in research that could help tackle the rise in short-sightedness among children and young people.

The School of Optometry is working with Globe Biomedical, a company founded in 2019 and based in Riverside, California, which makes the Blink Frames system.

What Blink Frames are

Blink Frames are spectacles fitted with sensors, linked to a secure cloud computing system and a mobile app. They can measure:

• light exposure, including whether the wearer is outdoors or indoors
• near work, such as reading or using screens, and how close the wearer holds things to their eyes
• how often the glasses are actually worn
• how often the wearer blinks and whether blinks are complete
• temperature, humidity and air pressure around the eyes

Why measure all this?

Myopia, or short-sightedness, has become much more common around the world, especially among children. Research suggests that spending more time outdoors in daylight may help protect children's eyes, while long periods of close-up work may increase the risk. But most studies rely on people remembering and reporting their own habits, which is not always accurate.

Continuous measurement could give researchers a far more precise picture of how behaviour affects eye health. The research will also look at conditions affecting the surface of the eye, such as dry eye, which can be linked to blinking less while using screens.

Who is leading it

The research is led by Dr Sayantan Biswas, lecturer in optometry and lead investigator, with Professor James Wolffsohn.

Joshua Park, chief executive of Globe Biomedical, said: "Aston asked the question every serious researcher asks first: what can this actually measure, and how well?"

What happens next

The collaboration is currently in a pilot phase and is designed to expand into a longer-running study following a group of participants over time.

A leading centre for eye research

Aston University's School of Optometry is one of the leading centres for training optometrists and for research into vision in the UK. Professor Wolffsohn is internationally known for his research into myopia and dry eye.

Protecting children's eyesight

Eye experts advise parents to encourage children to spend time playing outdoors every day, take regular breaks from screens and close work, and have regular eye tests. NHS sight tests are free for children under 16 and for young people under 19 in full-time education.

Rising myopia

Studies have estimated that around half of the world's population could be short-sighted by 2050. High levels of myopia increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment and glaucoma, which is why researchers are keen to find ways to slow its progression in childhood.

Screens and young eyes

Children spend far more time looking at screens and books close up than previous generations did, and less time outdoors. Eye specialists often recommend the 20-20-20 rule for anyone using screens for long periods: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Taking breaks helps reduce eye strain and gives the eyes a chance to relax.

Treatments to slow myopia

Several treatments are now available that can slow the progression of short-sightedness in children, including special spectacle lenses, contact lenses and eye drops. Aston researchers have been involved in studying many of these approaches, and optometrists can advise parents on whether they might suit their child.