Authors
Tom Elliotta
Sebastien Talandiera
David Webleya
Zoe Bulla
Sandy McCrayb
Affiliations
a – CooperVision Int. Ltd
b – Prodege, LLC.
Purpose
Digital device use is increasing, with 71% estimated global prevalence of digital eye strain (DES) in 2023. Understanding consumer awareness of DES; causes, management strategies, and whether contact lenses (CL) designed to help manage DES are of interest, may improve eye care professional (ECP) recommendations.
Method
An online quantitative survey in vision corrected consumers was undertaken across Europe, aged 18-64. Questions included time spent using devices and DES experience. Mean values were calculated with data stratified, where relevant, by country, age, and refractive correction type.
Results
Data from 3276 consumers were analysed: UK (n=757), Sweden (n=256), Italy (n=754), Germany (n=754), Norway (n=252), Denmark (n=250), Finland (n=253); 50:50 M:F. 54% wore spectacles only, 46% were CL wearers (32% dual-wear, 14% CL predominantly). Smartphones had the highest daily screen use (European average 6.4 hours). 33% of consumers reported spending ≥6 hours on screens, with UK and Finland reporting 38%. Over the past 2 years, screen usage had increased for smartphones more than for other devices (57% increasing usage top 2 box (T2B), followed by laptop (37% increase)). 88% (across Europe) agreed maintaining eye health was important, with 61% in Italy rating it “Extremely important”. 82% experienced eye tiredness; 56% were familiar with the term DES, Italy had the highest familiarity at 77%; 71% stated they experienced DES symptoms once explained. The top three methods used to manage DES symptoms were: taking regular breaks (74%), staying hydrated (67%) and adjusting screen settings (67%).50% hadn't discussed device usage/ocular impact with an ECP. 72% of those with DES symptoms (n=1089) expressed interest in CLs to help address these symptoms.
Conclusions
The rise in digital device use, and high prevalence of DES, suggests ECPs should routinely ask their patients about DES and recommend management strategies. Novel CLs designed to help manage DES symptoms are of interest to CL wearers.