Digital Eye Strain On The Rise

Eyestrain resulting from the widespread use of smartphones, tablets and other digital devices is on the rise, according to a new report from The Vision Council. 

Nearly 70 percent of U.S. adults experience some form of digital eye strain while using digital devices, according to the report, “Keeping Your Eyes Safe in a Digital Age.” The report, which examines how the prolonged use of digital devices can negatively impact eye health, was distributed last week to consumer health, technology, and lifestyle reporters.

Digital device use in America is increasing, and the mounting reliance on technologies like tablets and smartphones is only expected to intensify, the Vision Council pointed out. In a 2012 VisionWatch survey conducted by The Vision Council, more than one third of U.S. adults reported spending four to six hours a day on electronic devices, and fourteen percent reported daily use at 10 to 12 hours. Devices include televisions, desktop and laptop computers, smartphones, e-readers and tablets, and gaming systems.

“Digital devices are an important part of our everyday lives—from business and recreation to socialization and even education—but this behavior poses a potential risk to our eyes,” said Ed Greene, CEO of The Vision Council. “The report brings attention to the issue of digital eye strain and outlines strategies and products to prevent the discomfort that many experience while using popular devices.”

The Vision Council said it will continue to highlight the report for the remainder of the year in health, technology, and parenting publications, using a combination of social media, PR and digital activities. In addition, the organization will also participate in the Consumer Electronic Showcase in January 2013 as part of the Digital Health Summit. Digital eye strain will be one of the focus points of the Digital Health Summit’s panel discussion, “Digital Health from the Neck Up,” and a member of the Better Vision Institute, the medical advisory arm to The Vision Council, will serve on the panel.

To view or download a copy of Keeping Your Eyes Safe in a Digital Age, visit The Vision Council’s website at www.thevisioncouncil.org.