Just days after unveiling their official rebrand, Newton (formerly Neurolens) is kicking off its new focus as a visionary health tech partner with the launch of a new lens technology product: Sequel.
And as a bonus: We’ll hear from one clinician who’s already implemented this new lens into her clinical practice—and the patient feedback she’s received thus far.
Updates galore … first, a look at this company.
Based in Coppell, Texas, the (former) Neurolens made its splash in the eyecare space by developing Neurolenses—the world’s first and only therapeutic prescription-based lenses and technology clinically proven to provide relief for symptoms of eye misalignment (including digital eye strain).
A couple of items to keep in mind about these offerings:
- The company’s N3 measurement device (designed as an immersive virtual reality-based headset) measures this eye misalignment
- Each Neurolens is embedded with the company’s patented Contoured Prism technology, a uniquely designed prism that offers gradual prism adjustment
- This lens technology is also clinically supported by extensive research, including this 2024 study linking it to headache relief and improved overall quality of life among its wearers
And what do we know about this rebrand?
Get all the details in last week’s coverage.
Now, tell me more about this new product.
Newton’s first product under its new name is dubbed the Sequel lens—“the everyday lens that delivers unparalleled vision both on screen and off,” the company noted.
And while the single-vision, “anti-fatigue” lens is intended for progressive wearers’ “screen-centric lifestyles,” a key component to its uniqueness is the inclusion of a new patented technology.
Before we get into that—who are the target patients for this lens?
Sequel is designed as an alternative for patients who don’t necessarily present as symptomatic and also spend long hours in front of digital screens.
Importantly: Patients of all ages and accommodative needs can be fitted (but more on that later).
Now talk about this new tech.
Newton’s Convergence Boost Lens Technology is designed to be “easy on the eyes” by improving visual comfort and clarity—without complicating clinicians’ routines.
The tech considers and factors in an eye’s daily visual demands while enabling the eyes themselves to remain in their most natural position (using patients’ current prescriptions).
Before we get any further, let’s bring in that clinical perspective.
This is where Evie Lawson, OD, in practice at Eyes On You in Seattle, Washington, comes into the picture. Dr. Lawson has spent the last 6 months working with the Sequel lens.
She spoke with Glance President Jaclyn Garlich, OD, FAAO, on what makes the Sequel lens unlike Neurolens—or any other lens on the market.
Now the big question: How does Sequel compare to Neurolens?
Dr. Lawson was quick to point out that the two are definitely not the same. Case in point: Sequel does not require any specialized measuring devices.
And while Sequel targets symptoms associated with digital eye strain (DES) and computer vision syndrome (CVS), the Neurolens works as a therapeutic intervention to address severe symptoms of eye misalignment like headaches, neck pain, and motion sickness.
Another major pro for Dr. Lawson and her staff: “It is so easy to dispense,” particularly compared to other progressive lenses.
So is there more than one version?
Oh yes … these include a progressive lens (Sequel PAL)—which Dr. Lawson refers to as “a lens you can trust to put on any prescription and any patient”—in addition to three other designs.
- Sequel 0 (ideal for patients aged 4 to 24)
- Includes a minor basin prism to help with convergence; no power boost
- Sequel 38 (ideal for patients aged 25 to 34)
- Power boost: 0.38D ADD
- Sequel 67 (ideal for patients aged 35 to 44)
- Power boost: 0.67D ADD
- Sequel PAL (ideal for patients aged 40+)
- Progressive power: 0.75+ ADD
Importantly: All lens versions incorporate Newton’s convergence boost technology—and a computer-specific lens is currently in the works, Dr. Lawson hinted.
What other features come with the lens?
Additional components (aside from those power boosts)include:
- No-glare coating
- Blue-light filter
And how does Sequel address accommodation and convergence?
By targeting both, according to Dr. Lawson. How? By:
- Providing a gentle increase in plus power (enabling accommodation)
- Incorporating a mild base-in prism and helping with convergence by reducing the effort required for the eyes to turn inward (particularly when using plus power for near visual tasks)
Together, this combination results in reduced eye fatigue, particularly among patients who are not as symptomatic but still experience visual discomfort after prolonged screen use.
“It’s truly an anti-fatigue lens,” she said. “This lens gives a very gentle application of both an increase in plus and a mild-basin prism to help negate that plus power.”
So how have her lens patients responded to wearing this?
For those less symptomatic patients who still get fatigued toward the end of the day, Dr. Lawson noted, “Patients who have been in other lenses tell me, “Wow, my eyes feel good—I don’t feel like I need to take my glasses off at the end of the day,”” she said.
“So many of my patients didn’t realize they were mildly symptomatic and just thought that came with screen use,” she added.
Any other input—or supporting data?
There is—based on consumer product testing of the Sequel lens with embedded Convergence Boost technology among patients experiencing existing DES symptoms.
Those findings: A reported 91% of patients indicated reduced issues with DES and CVS-associated symptoms—such as tired eyes, discomfort in viewing computer screens, and excessive blinking—following Sequel lens wear.
Even further: This testing also reported four out of five Sequel lens wearers were satisfied with the clarity and comfort of their lens, “especially when reading or using digital devices.”
Sounds promising … but is it covered by insurance?
Yes—via VSP.
As for pricing: This will vary.
So where can I learn more?
Newton is offering a first look at Sequel during this week’s Vision Expo West (Sept. 17-20) in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- If you’re attending, stop by booth F9077.
Otherwise, patients and ECPs can contact the company to discuss availability, pricing options, and (for ECPs only) how to become a Sequel lens provider.