Nearly 95 Percent of Americans at Risk for Digital Eye Strain with Increased Device Use

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A report by The Vision Council finds nearly 95 percent of Americans spend two or more hours every day on digital devices, permeating all aspects of our personal lives. The report, released today at the International Consumer Electronics Show, found a lack of awareness about how this use affects our eyes and vision health.

"We look at our mobile phones more than 100 times a day, yet people aren't understanding how this constant use of technology is impacting vision health," said Dora Adamopoulos, OD, medical adviser to The Vision Council. "Digital eye strain is likely to continue to grow as a health concern. However, there are tools and products that can alleviate or even protect against the onset of symptoms."

Digital eye strain – experienced by a majority of American adults – is characterized as temporary physical discomfort felt after two or more hours in front of a digital screen and is associated with the close to mid-range distance of digital screens. It is marked by symptoms such as redness, irritation or dry eyes, blurred vision, eye fatigue, back and neck pain and headaches. Several environmental factors can contribute to the condition, including the size of the text on screens; time spent at devices; posture; computer setup; existing vision issues; and the blue light emitted from digital screens and lighting.

Lens technologies used in computer eyewear are designed for optimizing and protecting vision when viewing content on screens and can be provided with or without a prescription. This eyewear utilizes different tints, lenses and materials, tailored to different lifestyle needs.

Below are some tips that can help relieve digital eye strain:

1. Remember the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.
2. Build an optimal workspace to mitigate stressors—this includes adjusting lighting, computer screen height and posture.
3. Increase the text size on your devices to better define the content on your screen.
4. Visit an eye care provider to learn more about computer eyewear and lens options that can help reduce symptoms of digital eye strain and improve vision.

To view or download a copy of the report, visit The Vision Council online: www.thevisioncouncil.org/DES. 

SOURCE The Vision Council