our science

TechSpecs
Change How Your Eyes Handle Screens

Built by experts. Proven through experience.

140+

years of combined experience in optometry between our advisory board members

30+

peer-reviewed studies supporting near-work optics and binocular vision science

5

active, completed and pending collabs with academics, clinical institutions, and doctors offices worldwide

70%

of people experience digital eye strain

Our 2025 University of Oregon Digital Device Clinical Study

Executive Summary

This study evaluated the effectiveness and market potential of digital device glasses with our patented RELAX lenses among University of Oregon students and community members. Eleven participants tested the glasses over four weeks, providing comprehensive feedback through surveys and interviews. Key findings indicate eye strain reduction in most participants, positive user experience, and clear market demand.

Key Findings

82%

of participants (9 out of 11) experienced reduced eye strain

45%

average eye strain reduction among participants with measurable improvement

  • Participants reported immediate relief and improved comfort during screen use
  • Distance vision limitations identified as primary challenge requiring user adaptation, generally taking a few days to a week maximum
  • High recommendation rate among satisfied users

Participant Demographics

  • Total Participants: 11 individuals
  • Age Range: Primarily 18-24 (college students), with two participants aged 40-44
  • Gender Distribution: 64% male, 36% female
  • Screen Time: 4-8 hours daily average across participants

University of Oregon Digital Device Glasses Study Report

Study conducted at University of Oregon, 2025.

Executive Summary

This study evaluated the effectiveness and market potential of digital device glasses with our patented RELAX lenses among University of Oregon students and community members.

Eleven participants tested the glasses over four weeks, providing comprehensive feedback through surveys and interviews. Key findings indicate eye strain reduction in most participants, positive user experience, and clear market demand.

University of Oregon Digital Device Glasses Study Report

Key Findings

82%

of participants (9 out of 11) experienced reduced eye strain

45%

average eye strain reduction among participants with measurable improvement

  • Participants reported immediate relief and improved comfort during screen use
  • Distance vision limitations identified as primary challenge requiring user adaptation, generally taking a few days to a week maximum
  • High recommendation rate among satisfied users

Participant Demographics

  • Total Participants: 11 individuals
  • Age Range: Primarily 18-24 (college students), with two participants aged 40-44
  • Gender Distribution: 64% male, 36% female
  • Screen Time: 4-8 hours daily average across participants

Study Design

Participants received digital device glasses with our patented RELAX nearpoint lenses and blue light blocking technology. They used the glasses for 2-4 weeks during typical computer and device usage, then completed comprehensive surveys covering comfort, effectiveness, style preferences, pricing feedback, and user experience.

Results and Analysis

Eye Strain Reduction

Most participants felt real relief, with 82% showing measurable improvement. Among those who improved, eye strain scores decreased by an average of 45%.

Conclusions

The University of Oregon study provides strong evidence for market viability of digital device glasses with nearpoint lenses. Participants demonstrated a preference for quality construction, professional styling, and effective eye strain relief. The study validates the core value proposition: users experience immediate, noticeable relief from digital eye strain while maintaining professional appearance. The study validates that nearpoint lens technology can provide meaningful relief from digital eye strain for most users willing to adapt to the distance vision limitations. With proper positioning and targeted marketing, these glasses address a genuine market need among screen-intensive users.

Meet TechSpecs Medical Advisors

Dr. Janet Mitchell, O.D.

Founder of TechSpecs
Optometrist, Waimea, HI

Dr. Kristy Remick, O.D. FCOVD, FAAO

Optometry Professor at Western University, Pomona, CA

Dr. Matthew Gifford, O.D.

Optometrist and Founder of Red Eye Optical, Chicago, IL

Dr. Nicole Jensen, O.D.

Optometrist and Director of Professional Relations at Bard Optical, Peoria, IL

Illinois Young Optometrist 2016

Dr. Kat Lachenman, O.D.

Optometrist, Eye Love Care
Denver, CO

Dr. Lernik Torossian, O.D.

Chief of Optometry at USC
Los Angeles, CA

California Young Optometrist 2018

Dr. Nina Nemetz, O.D.

Optometrist, Love Aloha Eye Care

Kona, HI

Eye Doctors Recommend TechSpecs

A simple but powerful tool without having to use any pharmacological intervention. I recommend them to anyone who spends hours in front of a screen.

- Dr. Kat Lachenman, O.D.
Optometrist, Eye Love Care
Denver, CO

Wearing glasses isn't unnatural. The unnatural part is what you're asking your eyes to do when you look at a screen - pulling them together and holding them in that position for hours!

- Dr. Kristy Remick, O.D. FCOVD, FAAO
Optometry Professor at Western University, Pomona, CA

In my exam room, I kept seeing the same story—tired eyes, headaches, and patients struggling to keep up with screen life. When I found near-work lenses changed how they felt, I knew I had to get this out to the world. That’s why I created TechSpecs.

- Dr. Janet Mitchell
Optometrist, Waimea, HI

What Science Says About Screen Fatigue

Every daily 1 hour increment in digital screen time is associated with 21% higher odds of myopia.

Myopia (nearsightedness) prevalence is on the rise, with projections that by 2050, half of the world’s population will have it.

Just 20 minutes of smartphone use has been shown to reduce both focusing ability and eye coordination.

Digital eye strain effects 70% of adults. Common symptoms include tired eyes, headaches, blur, dryness, and neck tension.

Small amounts of plus power can meaningfully lower the effort your eyes need to focus, helping them stay comfortable longer. Some users read >10% faster

Low-plus lenses don't just feel better—they can measurably improve how well you understand what you read, and how fast you read.

Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) occurs when the eyes do not work together smoothly, causing symptoms like fatigue, headache, and motion sickness — and micro-prism lenses can help.

Low-powered plus lenses may help reduce symptoms of digital eye strain by encouraging more blinking and relaxing the eye muscles.

When kids stare at screens, blinking drops by more than half, causing dryness, irritation, and discomfort—often within the first minute. Younger children may not notice as easily, making them especially vulnerable to screen-related eye irritation.

Dry eye disease affects up to 50 million Americans.

Children with higher smartphone use showed faster nearsightedness progression. Children who held screens farther away experienced slower progression.

Micro-prism lenses help so the brain can fuse the image from each eye into one clear picture — reducing the strain that can lead to headaches and fatigue.

During pandemic remote learning, kids' screen time nearly tripled — and nearsightedness progressed about 38% faster than before. That wasn't random. Close, sustained near work changes how eyes grow.

Digital Eye Strain symptoms increased sharply during the pandemic as work, school, and social life all moved onto screens.

Even low magnitudes of prism have been shown to decrease symptoms of eye strain and improve reading endurance during prolonged near tasks.

Digital eye strain isn't about blue light. It's about how hard your eyes have to work up close all day. Modern screens demand more than human eyes evolved for, leading to fatigue, blur, and headaches. The solution isn't filtering blue light. It's reducing the strain.

Modern screens create unique visual demands such as glare, reduced contrast, and constant near focus that strain the visual system.

Importantly, many individuals with dry eye symptoms also report significant near-work visual stress, suggesting overlapping mechanisms related to sustained accommodation, reduced blink rate, and digital device use.

Lots of close-up screen time can trigger a "blur signal" that nudges the eye to grow longer and become more nearsighted. It's your body adapting — not breaking.

Low plus lenses had a significant effect on reading comprehension for all subjects in the study!

When kids stare at screens, blinking drops by more than half, causing dryness, irritation, and discomfort—often within the first minute. Younger children may not notice as easily, making them especially vulnerable to screen-related eye irritation.

In some individuals with ADHD, underlying binocular vision dysfunction may exacerbate concentration difficulties. Addressing this visual strain with prism lenses can reduce discomfort and support better sustained attention.

Microprisms are small, but can have a huge impact on reducing visual discomfort and symptoms like headaches.

Common symptoms include tired eyes, headaches, blur, dryness, and neck tension—all linked to prolonged digital viewing.

People who are already nearsighted may experience even greater near-work relief with low-plus support.

One of the common causes of digital eye strain is binocular vision dysfunction, and this condition is often treated successfully with micro-prism lenses.

Intense education and limited time outdoors play major causal roles in the myopia epidemic

Even if you can see fine at near, this can help you feel and perform better. Better comfort. Better comprehension.

Designed for the Demands of Modern Vision