CooperVision’s latest report uncovers the latest data on the national and widespread trends of digital eye strain (DES) among Americans, and offers new insights on how eyecare professionals (ECPs) can better address such complications in primary eye care.
Let’s begin with some background.
Digital device usage has become the norm of everyday life over the last few decades.
From televisions to computers—see the American Optometric Association’s recent report on unmanaged screen time consequences— to smartphones, the evolution of technology has “brought communication, entertainment, and work into the palms of our hands, making it easier than ever to be ‘on’ from anywhere, at any time,” the report authors noted.
Plus, we can’t forget the COVID-19 pandemic, during which more people were working, learning, and connecting with the outside world from their digital devices.
This, however, comes with the often unavoidable ocular consequences of developing digital eye strain (DES) or computer vision syndrome (CVS), potentially leading to
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Neck or back pain
- Other ocular health complications (such as myopia)
- Decreased productivity
- Exacerbation of other undiagnosed eye conditions
- Negative effects on sleep quality and mental health
Now this report.
For the report, titled A New Look at Digital Eye Strain, CooperVision gathered national data to support ECPs in understanding patients’ habits as well as their awareness and prevalence of DES by examining:
- If patients discussed digital device usage with their ECPs and impact on their eyes
- Tools and techniques currently used by ECPs to reduce DES
How was data gathered?
Conducted by Prodege, a global consumer insights firm, the survey was conducted Oct. 16-22, 2023, among 750 U.S. adults (aged 18-44) who required vision correction.
The following methodology was also noted:
- Survey participants were limited to those requiring prescription eyewear or contact lenses to ensure regular interaction with an ECP
- Respondents were matched via demographics (below) for a more accurate representation of the general U.S. population
- Gender, household income, education, location, race
- Eyewear breakdown among respondents included:
- 41% wearing contact lenses part-time
- 17% predominantly wearing contact lenses
- 59% exclusively wearing glasses
- 24% considered as dual wearers
Tell me some digital device usage trends.
Per the report, over 50% of respondents noted spending an average of 6+ hours a day on digital devices; further, one in four even went so far as to report 9+ hours of screen time.
As for their device of choice: 79% reported using their smartphone for 3 to 5 hours a day.
And 62% also admitted their smartphone usage has increased (significantly) over the last 2 years.
How did this increased usage compare to other devices?
- Television (41%)
- Laptop (39%)
- Gaming device (29%)
- Desktop PC (28%)
- Tablet (27%)
- Smartwatch (21%)
- E-reader (12%)
And how many respondents reported DES?
The survey reported nearly seven in 10 who were experiencing DES-associated symptoms (listed above).
Moreover, one in four reported experiencing these symptoms multiple times a week (or more).
Did any attempt to treat these symptoms?
Nearly all (99%) of these respondents experiencing DES symptoms reported trying at least one method.
However, the survey reported that the majority of these participants had either not heard of, do not regularly use, or had not tried the following common tools for management:
- Staying hydrated
- Blinking regularly
- Taking regular breaks
- Proper posture maintenance
- Adjusting screen settings
- Lubricant eye drops
- Blue light screen filters
- Glasses or blue light glasses
- 20-20-20 rule (see here for controversies on that)
- Contact lenses (notably the least-known tool for management)
Zeroing in on contact lenses … how did they not know it’s an option?
Almost 60% reported never speaking with their ECPs about the potential effects of digital device usage.
And for those who had spoken, only 19% reported their ECP had recommended contact lenses for managing DES symptoms.
What does the report recommend ECPs do to change this?
As the survey was commissioned by CooperVision, two of the company’s contact lenses (designed to help with DES-associated eye tiredness and dryness) are recommended for ECPs to consider prescribing to their patients:
- MyDay Energys daily disposable lenses
- Biofinity Energys monthly contact lenses
Both lenses feature the company's proprietary Aquaform technology (for all-day comfort and clear vision via oxygen delivery) and Aberration Neutralizing System (for minimizing optical imperfections and enhancing vision quality).
Expert input on this?
According to Michele Andrews, OD, CooperVision’s vice president of Professional and Government Affairs, while most people experiencing symptoms of DES, they’re still not having conversations with their ECP.
“Consumers are interested in solutions to combat symptoms associated with digital eye strain, including contact lenses specifically designed for this purpose,” Dr. Andrews stated.
Lastly, any tips for starting the patient-DES conversation?
Per the report, ECPs can follow four steps:
- Understand the patient’s lifestyle and experience with DES.
- Determine what they’re doing to cope.
- Establish a partnership with the patient.
- Be the expert; provide recommendations for addressing DES.