Essilor, a leading innovator in spectacle lens technology, has launched an awareness campaign to help businesses reduce the negative impact excessive screen use is having on employees’ eye health.
Looking at digital screens for long periods can lead to a range of eye and vision problems. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) can be caused by all digital devices, not just computer screens, and as digital device use is on the rise and with more people looking at digital screens for longer, cases of CVS are also increasing.
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a condition resulting from focusing your eyes on a computer or other display device for protracted, uninterrupted periods of time and the eye muscles being unable to recover from the strain. CVS occurs when looking at digital screens because pixels constantly refresh and our eyes have to keep refocusing to see the screen clearly. It is also proven that people blink less frequently when staring a a screen, which causes eyes to dry out and in some cases can result in blurred vision.
Signs and symptoms of CVS can include eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes and neck and shoulder pain. If you start to suffer from unusual signs like excessive pain, headaches, redness or blurry vision, you should see an optician. Glasses wearers that have incorrect or outdated prescription lenses can also be more susceptible to CVS.
Fortunately, computer vision syndrome and digital eyestrain is not a permanent vision problem, but something that can be controlled with some simple changes in behaviours.
Dr. Andy Hepworth from Essilor has this advice:
Follow the 20-20-20 rule
Apply the 20-20-20 rule. After every 20 minutes, take a break for 20 seconds and look at objects that are 20 feet away. Following this rule will help prevent eye fatigue.
Take a break and go outdoors
It’s important to take a break from screens and to go outside. Looking at objects in different distances and in natural light can be beneficial for your eyes and sight.
Use specialist computer lenses
Eyezen lenses, with first of its kind DualOptim technology, are specialist ‘computer lenses’, designed to prevent or reduce eye strain or visual fatigue. Wearing these lenses can support your eyes from working so hard especially when using digital devices.
Different waves lengths of light can also cause premature eye ageing, such as Ultraviolet and Blue-Violet light. Lenses that have an Eye Protect System also can partially filter Blue-Violet light, enhancing eye health.
Maintain regular eye tests
Eyes should be examined every two years as routine; many eye problems will be detected this way – the earlier problems are identified, the easier they will be to rectify.
Essilor’s Dr. Hepworth adds: “We know high levels of digital usage is not going away so it’s important to know how to maintain healthy vision with this in mind.
“While our scheme encourages people to “look up” and give their eyes a rest, which in turn will also help with their concentration and day to day mental health, we’re also offering a solution with innovative lenses. Our latest innovative solutions can rectify specific problems caused by heavy usage of digital technology.
“We recognise every person is an individual and the lifestyle choices they make day to day will affect their eyesight. By encouraging people to keep refreshing eyes during the day or wear the right type of lenses, we hope to promote better UK eye health.”
