The screen age: a challenge for our eyes
We now spend several hours every day in front of screens: computers, phones, tablets. While these tools are indispensable, they place a heavy strain on our eyes. The result? Visual fatigue known as digital eye strain.
For contact lens wearers, this fatigue can be even more pronounced: dryness, discomfort, blurred vision at the end of the day. Fortunately, there are solutions. CooperVision has developed lenses specifically designed to meet this modern challenge.
What is digital eye strain?
Digital eye strain encompasses a variety of symptoms related to prolonged screen use:
- Dry, heavy, or irritated eyes;
- Fluctuating or blurred vision;
- Headaches;
- Redness or watery eyes.
Why does this happen? When looking at a screen, we blink less, which leads to dryness and instability of the tear film. Our eye muscles also work harder to switch between near and far vision. Added to this are brightness, glare, and duration of use. The result: after only two hours of screen time, signs of fatigue can already appear.
The particular challenge for contact lens wearers
For contact lens users, these symptoms are often amplified:
- Increased dryness due to decreased blinking;
- Discomfort at the end of the day, when the lens retains less moisture;
- Constant visual effort when switching between screens and the environment;
- Individual sensitivity, with some people being more vulnerable than others.
Hence the interest in lenses designed to support eye comfort when using screens.
CooperVision: two lenses adapted to the digital lifestyle
MyDay® Energys™ (daily use)
MyDay® Energys™ are daily disposable lenses that combine comfort and innovation.
- DigitalBoost™ technology: help ease strain on eye muscle so the wearer can shift focus from on screen to off with less effort*.
- Aquaform® technology: naturally retains water, keeping the lens hydrated All day long**.
- Built-in UV Protection†.
- Maximum hygiene: a new lens every day, no maintenance required.
8 out of 10 wearers say they experience less eye strain with these lenses.
Biofinity® Energys™ (monthly replacement)
For those who prefer a monthly lens, Biofinity® Energys™ offers a sustainable alternative.
- Digital Zone Optics® design: supports near vision and reduces screen-related Fatigue (1).
- Aquaform® technology: hydration and prolonged Comfort (2).
- Excellent oxygen permeability to maintain corneal Health(2).
These lenses are known to improve visual comfort during prolonged screen use.
Best practices for reducing eye strain
Even with the right lenses, certain habits can help relieve eye strain:
1.The 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object 6 meters away for 20 seconds.
2. Consciously blink to moisturize the surface of your eyes.
3. Adjust your workstation: position the screen slightly below eye level and 50-70 cm away.
4. Limit glare and adjust brightness.
5. Use lens-compatible artificial tears as needed.
6. Alternate between glasses and lenses to give your eyes a break.
Digital eye strain has become an unavoidable reality of our connected lives. For contact lens wearers, it often results in increased dryness and discomfort.
With MyDay® Energys™ and Biofinity® Energys™, CooperVision offers concrete and innovative solutions to alleviate these symptoms and restore comfort to the eyes.
Of course, nothing can replace the advice of an optometrist, who can recommend the lens best suited to your needs and lifestyle.
Your eyes deserve the best, especially in the digital age.
*Based on a statistically significant difference of the mean change in Accommodative Microfluctuations and when compared to a lens without DigitalBoost™/Digital
**Zone Optics® after reading on an iPhone 5 for 20 minutes held at a distance of 25 cm. Study conducted with Biofinity Energys and sphere.
†Warning: UV blocking contact lenses are not substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear, such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses, because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. Patients should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed
1. Kajita M et al. Changes in accommodative micro-fluctuations after wearing contact lenses of different optical designs. Cont Lens Ant Eye (2020) In Press https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2020.03.003.
2. CVI data on file 2022.
