Essilor tackles digital eye strain

According to a 2016 Ernst & Young digital study, Australians spend at least 10 hours a day in front of digital screens, and every day, about two thirds use three or more devices to connect to the internet.More than 80 per cent of Australians are said to own a smartphone and for 60 per cent of people, it’s the last thing they look at before going to bed and the first thing they reach for in the morning.This increased use of digital devices appears to be impacting eye health; an Essilor study showed that seven out of 10 people suffered from tired eyes while two out of three agreed that digital screens required additional effort to see clearly. It was also noted that so-called ‘digital eye strain’ could occur after only two hours in front of a screen.The Eyezen lens range, which is targeted at 20–40-year-olds, is designed to help to relax eye focus in the short, 30 cm distance in which people generally hold their phones and other digital devices. The lens range also features a specific blue-light filter to enhance contrast without changing the colours on screens.“We believe our new Eyezen lens offers optometrists a real solution for a vast group of new and existing patients – a solution that is in keeping with today’s technology,” Ms Diane Ceccarelli, marketing director for Essilor, stated.Essilor launched Eyezen in May and noted that the range would be supported by a large consumer media campaign in the coming months.