The Vision Council Releases Results of Nationwide Digital Eye Strain, Blue Light Survey
Results released as thousands attend annual Consumer Electronics Show.
Alexandria, VA (January 5, 2017) – The Vision Council has announced the results of a nationwide survey detailing the effects and implications of blue light—and available eyewear treatment options—as more than 165,000 attendees gather with the latest in technology at the 2017 International Consumer Electronics Show.
As part of its ongoing efforts to educate the public about the effects of digital devices on the eyes, The Vision Council commissioned its latest survey of 9,840 American adults nationwide. Findings show that 68.5 percent of Americans report that they have not discussed their digital device usage with their eyecare provider, and 73.5 percent report that they did not know eyewear can be used to protect the eyes from the short- and long-term effects of blue light exposure and digital eye strain.
“The optical industry has recognized and responded to the increase in digital habits and has developed lens and coating technology to protect the eyes from blue light, glare and other environmental stressors, ultimately to improve the way people see,” says Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “Consistent with its mission, The Vision Council is committed to educating the public that suffering from the effects of blue light exposure and digital eye strain does not have to be – and should not be – the norm.”
Key survey findings include:
- 87% use digital devices more than two hours per day and over 52% regularly use two digital devices simultaneously
- 76.5% of parents indicate that their children receive more than two hours of screen time per day, and 55.6% say their children experience symptoms of digital eye strain after two hours of screen time
- While 78.3% of parents are concerned about the impact of digital devices on their kids, only 29.1% take their child for an annual eye exam as part of back-to-school preparation
To raise awareness among device users, as well as the parents of children using digital devices, The Vision Council has launched a consumer outreach initiative based on the survey results detailing the benefits of computer glasses and coatings, demonstrating the latest in eyewear technology and offering additional solutions for individuals to minimize digital eye strain.
The Vision Council is working to educate eyecare providers on the usage and recommendation of computer eyewear and other lens coatings in the prevention of digital eye strain and protection from blue light through educational sessions at Vision Expo East. Courses include The Opportunities of Blue Light Technology (26C3), Blue Light Radiation - A Material Solution (22O2), Light, The Eye, and the Brain (34O1), and Beat the Blues - Inside and Out (21C2). The full course listing can be found at VisionExpoEast.com.
The Vision Council encourages eyecare providers to engage their patients in discussions about healthy vision maintenance, including the impact of their electronic device use and the blue light and digital eye strain symptoms to monitor for, as well as eyewear options that can reduce symptoms in the future. To learn more about blue light and digital eye strain, visithttp://www.thevisioncouncil.org/DES.
About The Vision Council
Championing better vision for better lives, The Vision Council positions its members for success by promoting growth in the vision care industry through education, advocacy, research, consumer outreach, strategic relationship building and industry forums. By sharing the latest in eyewear trends, advances in technology and advice from eyewear experts, The Vision Council serves as a resource to the public looking to learn more about options in eyeglasses and sunglasses. For more information, visit www.thevisioncouncil.org.