Did you know that adults with prescription contact lenses and eyeglasses are more likely to experience symptoms of digital eye strain, including eye, neck and back pain? Experts attribute this to use of prescription eyewear not specifically designed for the computer. Therefore, it is really important that eyecare providers explain to consumers how important it is to for individuals with low vision, in addition to those who spend the majority of their day in front of a computer, that a separate pair of prescription eyeglasses should be worn while using digital devices.
I have dealt with this issue personally and often talk about it with friends and family. My 31 year old niece just got her computer glasses, two pairs, one for work and one for home! She was experiencing neck pain and attributed it to a car accident but since she got her computer lenses, she has been a lot better. It was not difficult for her to make the decision to purchase additional eyewear once she understood how her posture at work was adversely affected. As she was wearing contact lenses for distance, she didn’t think she needed eyewear specific for the computer. Interestingly her previous eye doctor had never mentioned it to her. As soon as it was explained to her about the mid-range distance of a computer and how it affected her posture she wanted to purchase computer lenses for work. She was so much better that two weeks later, she was back for a second pair to keep at home so she could work on her laptop more comfortably even though her vision insurance did not cover a second pair, it was worth it to her. Here she is wearing her her her trendy Classique William Morris frames and Augen HD lenses.
Aaah no more neck pain for Lindsay now she has Computer Eyewear
For many Americans, digital eye strain is a product of their lifestyle and it is the most common computer-related repetitive strain injury, surpassing carpal tunnel and tendonitis. Consumers need information to help them understand their eyewear options and make the right choices when it comes to purchasing eyewear and that two pairs are usually better than one! Their vision and overall health is worth it.
Resources:
- The Vision Council – Digital Eye Strain & Workplace Eye Injuries
- Kodak Lens Relieve Eyestrain
- Hoya – How Much is Your Vision Worth
Similar Posts:
- Computer Lenses – Do We Need Them
- Digital Eyestrain – What to do?
- Monitoring Computer Eyeglass Lenses
- Shamir Autograph III – Evolution or Revolution?
- Optical Lens Trends – Data Conflict
I also want to point out that this issue is not just with our presbyopic patients, while certainly PAL wearers get the most attention, we all must look at the school age patients as well, those in College and high school especially can experience fatigue in the course of their regular day, and most will simply ignore it, or take an Advil. The truth is that while they do not need a full add power, a .50D or .75D bump in the reading area of the lens will allow for not only better wearer ergonomics, but reduced eye strain caused by the hours of computer and book work modern day students face on a daily basis.
In regards to occupational lenses, the main issue facing the dispensing ECP is how to fit the lens properly. Every designer takes a different approach, in the case of IOT we all 3 different types of digression which are automatically calculated based on the patient Rx and the patients Far working distance. This means that all the ECP and patient need to know is the standard Rx information (Distance and Add), and how large the Patients work space is. This is a great improvement from having to manually calculate and select a digression at the dispensary.
Thanks Kurt, good points!