The Digital Age Calls For a New Approach To Eye Health

By Mike Gansen, Owner

Mobile devices have radically changed the way we live and work. Smart phones, tablets and computers have become essential to our lives. In fact, in a recent study 85% of people say that mobile devices are a central part of everyday life.

From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to bed, technology is firmly entrenched in our daily routines. More than 30% of adults say they spend more than nine hours a day on digital devices and computers.

While all this technology is great for productivity and connecting and collaborating with others, it has a downside that most people don't think about these gadgets create increased visual demands that our eyes were not designed to address.

The constant refocusing required to go back and forth from digital screens to the world around us takes its toll on our eyes, and our bodies in general. We spend hours daily staring at screens, leaning in to see them better, and taking in the blue light that they emit. All this can lead to vision problems and something known as Digital Eye Strain.

According to a recent study by the Vision Council up to 70% of Americans may already be suffering from digital eye strain from daily mobile device use. Symptoms of digital eye strain include sore, tired eyes at the end of the day, dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and even neck, shoulder and back pain caused by poor posture when trying to properly focus on our devices.

So what do we do about this? We are not likely to use our devices less, so are we all doomed to ruining our eyes? The good news is that there are steps we can all take to help mitigate the strain digital devices place on our eyes.

For starters, apply the 20/20/20 rule; every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break, and stare at something 20 feet away. Beyond that, eyeglass lens manufacturers like ZEISS are developing solutions to help address and alleviate symptoms of digital eye strain.

ZEISS, a leader in precision optics for over 200 years, has been a pioneer in developing solutions that address the challenges posed by today's digital lifestyle.

ZEISS has created a portfolio of premium single vision and progressive eyeglass lenses to reduce Digital Eye Strain as well as specialized coatings to help mitigate the effects of blue light. In addition, for those who have trouble with nighttime driving and headlight glare, ZEISS has a lens solution to deliver a safer behind-the-wheel experience.

Ask your eye care professional which ZEISS solution(s) is right for you. For more information on ZEISS, go to www.zeiss.com/lenses.