With Australians leading the world as consumers of digital devices, ProVision is launching a consumer education campaign on the dangers of digital eye strain.
Eighty per cent of Australians own and use a smartphone, 75 per cent of us regularly multi-task across multiple screens and devices, spending an estimated 10 hours and 24 minutes looking at screens every day.1
Recent studies show that as many as 65 per cent of digital device users experience digital eye strain symptoms.2
Digital eye strain is the physical eye discomfort felt by many individuals after two or more hours in front of a digital screen. Symptoms can include: eye strain / fatigue, dry / itchy / burning or red eyes, blurred vision, headaches and neck / shoulder / back pain. The severity depends on the individual and the time spent on digital devices.
The practice can tailor to an individual’s digital environment, device usage and the type of work they do
ProVision Chairman Ian Bluntish, an optometrist with over 25 years’ experience, said studies showed a large proportion of the community is likely to suffer from one or more symptoms of digital eye strain, “but many will not even be aware that this condition exists”.
He said latest technology to combat digital eye strain includes digital use lenses, which eliminate glare, filter out blue light and prevent vision fatigue.
“The good news is that an optometrist can help both prescription wearers and non-prescription wearers.
“The practice can tailor to an individual’s digital environment, device usage and the type of work they do. When you combine digital specific eyewear with blinking more often, taking regular breaks and adjusting device display settings, eyes will feel more relaxed and comfortable throughout the day,” Mr. Bluntish said.
As part of the digital eye strain campaign, ProVision is urging people, regardless of whether they currently wear glasses, to take the time and recognise whether they have digital eye strain symptoms.
