Abstract

One quarter of American youth have a vision problem that, left untreated, can impact personality and academic achievement. The vast majority of these cases could be remediated with a pair of eyeglasses. However, even when kids and teenagers are prescribed glasses, many do not wear them. This thesis questions why this problem - which has a seemingly straightforward solution and clear benefit - has not been resolved. First, it discusses current literature and qualitative research on the prevalence of eye correction issues. This paper also focuses on how American teenagers specifically are impacted by this problem. Finally, it suggests a categorical redesign of eyeglasses for this demographic to address many of the issues with glasses on the market today and discusses potential systems-level changes to improve youth health in the United States.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Eyeglasses--Design; Eye--Refractive errors; Vision disorders in children; Teenagers--Health and hygiene

Publication Date

11-2-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Industrial Design (MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

School of Design (CIAS)

Advisor

Alex Lobos

Advisor/Committee Member

Mindy Magyar

Advisor/Committee Member

Stan Rickel

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

IDDE-MFA

Download

Share

COinS