In today's digital era, our lives are constantly surrounded by digital devices. Whether you spend most of your time indoors or are an adventurous explorer outdoors, avoiding blue light is nearly impossible.
According to a recent survey by VSP, conducted by OnePoll, revealed that 40% of respondents believe their eye health has deteriorated over the past year. Over half of participants spending more than five hours a day in front of screens.1
Many of us are unaware of the effects of blue light on vision. As digital devices become more ubiquitous, it's important to take steps to reduce exposure to blue light.
We all know that the number one source of blue light is the sun. However, as we spend more time using digital devices, smartphones, tablets, TVs, and LED lights, our eyes are exposed to an unprecedented amount of high-energy blue light, which might cause digital eye strain in both adults and children.
Let’s explore the impact of blue light to our eyes and the benefits of using photochromic lenses.
Digital eye strain
Otherwise known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), results from excessive screen use. Its effects are widespread – recent reports show that more than 60 percent of Americans experience symptoms of CVS2. Digital eye strain can kick in as quickly as two hours into using your screen.
Our eyes have evolved to process large amounts of natural light. Artificial blue light is a different story.
Digital reality among children and adults
Screens are everywhere, and the average screen time across different age groups reflects that. While recommendations suggest children aged 6-17 should have around 2 hours of screen time and adults (18+) should stick to 2-4 hours daily (excluding work), the reality is that most children and teens far exceed these limits. 3
Children ages 8-10 spend around 6 hours per day in front of a screen. That number increases with age, as children 11-14 spend about 9 hours a day on screens, and teenagers 15-18 have an average screen time of 7.5 hours.3
In young adults, phone usage is up by 60-80% more than pre-pandemic levels. People born in and after 1996 (typically considered Gen Z) watch 7.2 hours of videos per day, bouncing from TikTok to YouTube to Netflix.4
On average, Millennials (Gen Y) spend about 3.4 hours per day on screens, while Gen X averages 2.8 hours per day, and Boomers around 2.2 hours per day.5
Nowadays, younger generations find it more challenging to stay away from their phones—42% of Millennials haven’t gone more than 5 hours without checking social media, which exceed the average of 3.4 hours per day and younger Millennials glance at their phones roughly 150 times a day.5
More than half of Millennials have even woken up in the middle of the night just to check their phones.5
How you can help your patients
Many of your patients may not realize their symptoms might related to digital eye strain since many symptoms, such as itchy eyes, are easily be confused with another cause, like allergies or dry eyes.
Take a few minutes to educate your patients on the impact of digital eye strain and help them diagnose whether or not they are experiencing the symptoms. Continue to recommend the “20-20-20 Rule”: Look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 mins, and limit unnecessary screen time whenever possible.
Photochromic spectacle lenses are more than UV protection built into a standard pair of glasses. Photochromic lenses also help manage blue light exposure, enhancing your visual experience indoor and outdoor.
The convenience of photochromic lenses
The best way to protect the eyes, eyelids, and skin around the eyes from sun-related damage is to wear quality sunglasses that block 100% UV rays. And remember: UV radiation can penetrate clouds, so sunglasses are still necessary on overcast and cloudy days.
Photochromic lenses are the most convenient choice for daily eye protection due to their unique ability to adapt to changing light conditions. These lenses are made to react to UV light, causing them to darken when exposed to sunlight and lighten when indoors or in low light conditions.
Photochromic lenses offer several benefits over traditional spectacle lenses, including:
- Convenience: With photochromic lenses, switching between glasses and sunglasses is unnecessary as lighting conditions change.
- Eye Protection: Photochromic lenses block 100% of harmful UV rays from the sun.
- Comfort: Modular blue light control for more comfort in a digital world.6
- Versatility: Photochromic lenses are available in various styles and prescription strengths, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile and practical eyewear solution.
The Sensity family
Research shows that while many older people enjoy the benefits of photochromic lenses, there’s an untapped audience of active, younger people who would value the convenience of light adaptive lenses so they can live a life without limits.7
When younger people ask family and friends about photochromic spectacle lenses, they’re likely to get positive feedback. Patients who try photochromic glasses are the most likely to stay loyal to the product.7
This presents you, Eye Care Professionals (ECP), with the opportunity to expand the businesses. By actively prescribing photochromic spectacle lenses, you can differentiate yourselves from the commoditized clear lens market. As you're talking to your patients about sun damage and UV eye protection, key in on the benefits of the Sensity family.
Break the photochromic ice
Sensity lenses are a convenient alternative to switching between glasses and sunglasses without compromising style or comfort.
Spark the conversation by adding specific questions to your intake form to prompt patients to share relevant information about their eye health. For instance, ask about family history of eye problems, the amount of time spent outdoors versus on screens, or the amount of time spent driving.
Another helpful tip is to request that patients bring their plan or prescription sunglasses with them to their appointment when scheduling or confirming the visit. This can facilitate discussions about sun protection and encourage patients to prioritize their eye health. If they do not bring any sun protection, that is a big opportunity to open up this important conversation.
Educating your patient on blue light solutions that are designed for the modern digital lifestyle, helping to manage everyday blue light exposure from their morning run to their late-night digital wind-down. If your patients are concerned about their eye health, suggest light-adaptive lenses for their glasses. It's a small investment that could greatly impact their well-being and trust in you.