Ever since the digital revolution took hold of the world in the mid-2000's with the rise of smartphones, tablets, and the dominance of laptops in the personal computing realm more people of all ages are feeling the effects of digital eye strain and harmful blue light.
The Vision Council has released the 2017 Blue Light/Digital Eye Strain Report, which shows some very telling numbers about this continuously growing share of the market.
In the report we find that more than 87% of Americans use digital devices for more than 2 hours per day, and 52.2% use two digital devices simultaneously.
As a result, they are experiencing the following symptoms of digital eye strain on a regular basis: dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and neck/shoulder pain in great numbers as shown in the graph above.
With no signs of slowing down anytime soon, how does the ECP best dispense lenses for their patients to help alleviate these symptoms?
It has to start with a needs-based conversation with EVERY patient
Each patient is different, they have different needs and different issues. Many times your patient will come to you with a need and depend on you for a solution. Are you prepared to help? Do you have the products and knowledge to fill those needs?
The great news is that there are many different options out there to help combat Digital Eye Strain. Let's look at a few options for your patients between the ages of 18 - 45:
1) Essilor Eyezen+ Lenses
These lenses are designed to address the issues affecting the modern digital device user and provide them with a more comfortable vision experience. They contain a small amount of accommodative relief to alleviate eye strain caused by digital devices for long periods of time.
They also utilize the new Essential Blue Series offering 3x more protection from harmful blue light (HEV) than a standard clear lens.
There are three unique Eyezen+ designs, recommended for certain age groups:
- Eyezen+ 1 – patients age 18 to 34 (0.4 diopters)
- Eyezen+ 2 – patients age 35 to 44 (0.6 diopters)
- Eyezen+ 3 – patients age 45 to 50 (0.85 diopters)*
*It is recommended that Eyecare Professionals consider progressive lenses for their patients age 45+.
Eyezen+ Lenses are fitted, ordered, and dispensed just like any single vision lens, with the exception of a required fitting height measurement when placing an order. To acquire the fitting height, simply measure from center pupil to the lowest point of the lens.
2) Shamir Occupational Lenses:
Shamir Relax™ has 0.65[D] ADD Power in the lower part of the lens; it’s a small enough amount to allow for clear distance vision, but just enough power to relieve eye strain. Because the power is so slight, Shamir Relax™ is the perfect replacement for your patients standard single vision lenses.
The benefits:
• Fatigue relief solution for single vision patients
• No distortion or swim
• Reduces lens accommodation by up to 30%
• Designed with EyePoint Technology®
Available with Shamir Blue Zero™ . Based on a unique polymer formula, Shamir Blue Zero™ High Index 1.67 and Shamir Blue Zero™ Trivex™ blocks up to 98% HEV blue light in the 415nm - 435nm range. Shamir Blue Zero™Polycarbonate blocks up to 50% HEV blue light in the 415nm - 435nm range.
For those patients over over the age of 45 we recommend one of many "small environment" lenses available from multiple vendors. Here a couple of our most popular designs.
Shamir Computer™ and Shamir WorkSpace™
One of the most common complaints in today’s workplace is Computer Vision Syndrome, the orthopedic problems that result from prolonged muscle strain due to attempts to achieve optimal eye-screen interaction.
With Shamir Computer™ and Shamir WorkSpace™, presbyopic computer users no longer need to lift their head to see the computer clearly as they would with progressive lens designs, or bend their neck to peer over the top of reading glasses.
Every wearer of the new advanced Shamir occupational lenses can hold their head and neck in a natural comfortable position while enjoying perfect focus.
Shamir Computer™
Provides a wide field of near viewing with clear vision up to 5 feet. Perfect for those patients seeking relaxed, clear vision while on a computer. Also perfect for those who spend hours on multiple monitors
Shamir WorkSpace™
The best solution for when priority focus is both mid-distance and near. It offers a great depth of field up to 10 feet. They're perfect for those patients working on near tasks and interacting with employees or presenting to groups fall within their day to day tasks.
Both of these lens designs are Available with Shamir Blue Zero™
3) Essilor Computer™ Lenses:
Recommended for any presbyope experiencing tired eyes, blurred vision, headaches, or neck and shoulder pain, and are intended to be prescribed as a second pair to complement the patient’s primary pair of progressive lenses. Benefits Include:
Distance Vision - Unlike any other computer lens, they offer a small distance field at the top for looking across the room comfortably.
This lens is intended for indoor use and does not replace your primary pair.
They are ordered the same as all other progressive addition lenses.
IcareLabs is proud to offer your practice all of these options and more so that you may better serve each of your patient's individual needs when they walk through your door.
By implementing these best practices and products with every patient experiencing Digital Eye Strain you should see an increase in patient satisfaction, word of mouth business, and an increase to your optical revenue.
Really it's a win-win for your patients and your practice! Head over to our Resource Center for more information on all of our lens offerings.