Sees the Day: Orinda Mom Develops Inclusive Kids’ Eyewear

    Behold these eye-popping statistics. The World Health Organization notes that before the age of 18, 80% of lifetime exposure to UV rays has already occurred. Additionally, one in four children experiences photokeratitis, a sunburn of the cornea, due to inadequate eye protection, according to Prevent Blindness America.
    After learning about these disturbing trends, local mom, Megan Miyamoto, searched high and low for a pair of comfortable, protective sunglasses for her then four-year-old daughter. She soon found that none of the glasses sat comfortably on her daughter’s low-bridged nose, leaving her options that would slip off her daughter’s face or leave indent marks in her cheeks.
    Miyamoto set out to create a solution to her sunglass struggle.
    In 2024, her idea became reality when she launched MIKO, an inclusive kids’ eyewear company that caters to low-bridged noses and features well-fitting, high-quality and incredibly stylish frames.
    MIKO sunglasses have a round style frame dubbed the “Pacifica Frame” and are available in four colors: deep matcha, lychee cream, mochi crumble and yuzu. The colors take inspiration from childhood foods and Asian American favorites of Miyamoto’s family.
    The glasses come in two sizes – Littles, designed for ages four through six, and Standard, made for ages seven through 12. Miyamoto noted the frames also work well for adults with petite features or smaller faces.
    All of MIKO eyewear is made from sustainable acetate, making it hypoallergenic with a high-end finish and a truly customizable fit. Every lens is polarized and every frame RX-able, meaning the MIKO lenses can be replaced with prescription ones.
    While MIKO is Miyamoto’s passion project, it was truly a community-based endeavor. Throughout the designing process, she sought input from local families and neighborhood kids on colors, styles and fit. She listened to her future clients and incorporated their ideas and feedback to perfect the product.
    Even throughout the marketing process, MIKO remained true to its Orindan roots by employing local children, including Miyamoto’s kids, for Instagram and website photoshoots.
    “It’s very much a grassroot neighborhood thing,” she said. “All of the models you see on the website are kids in the neighborhood.”
    UV exposure is particularly dangerous for kids because their eyes are less able to filter UV light. Lack of sun protection during adolescence can lead to health concerns such as cataracts and eyelid cancer later in life.
    Fortunately, as the American Optometric Association points out, regular use of UV-blocking sunglasses throughout childhood can reduce the risk of serious eye conditions by up to 50%. However, properly fitting sunglasses are crucial so as not to allow for UV rays to enter through the sides or top of the frames.
    Awareness of these notable facts and statistics is a real issue in our society. The Vision Council’s research shows that “only 29% of parents say their children always or often wear shades.” This strikingly low number illustrates how unaware our society is of the importance of UV protection.
    Our culture is very aware of UV skin damage and knows when and why to apply sunscreen. The same needs to be said about UV eye protection.
    “Sunscreen for your skin, sunglasses for your eyes,” said Miyamoto.
    MIKO eyewear can be purchased at Caroline’s Salon in Lafayette, at Min’na, an inclusive kids’ store in Berkeley or online at mikoeyewear.com. Visit their Instagram page @miko_eyewear.