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Alcon to increase awareness of digital eyestrain
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ATLANTA – A study commissioned by Alcon has shown that two of the most common symptoms related to digital eyestrain are headache and dry eye, according to a speaker here at an Alcon-sponsored press conference held during SECO.
“Now that we have this data, we know that we need to look for a way to help people with dry eye,” JeanMarie Davis, OD, director of professional relations and practitioner partnerships for Alcon’s U.S. Vision Care, said at the event.
Davis said that Alcon partnered with Esen K. Akpek, MD, and the Institute for the Future, a U.S.-based think tank, to conduct a global consumer survey on eyestrain caused by the use of digital devices.
Six thousand people 18 years old and older in six countries were surveyed, Davis said.
“Findings have shown that digital eyestrain is a real and serious issue that is caused primarily by the behavior surrounding digital device use of each individual,” she said. “Data has allowed us to identify what that digital device behavior looks like and the most common symptoms. Most importantly, we have ways to alleviate some of the dry eye symptoms and minimize further long-term impact of digital eyestrain.”
Fifteen percent of U.S. survey respondents said they use their smart phones for 8 or more hours a day; 66% of U.S. respondents said they experience dry eye after extended use of a digital device on a weekly basis, and 64% of global respondents said they are required to use a digital device to perform their work a minimum of 4 hours a day, Davis said. After they go home, 51% said they spend 4 hours or more watching TV.
“We want to create additional awareness in digital eyestrain,” she said. – by Nancy Hemphill, ELS, FAAO
Disclosure: Davis is employed by Alcon.