- Eye Tiredness and Dryness Affecting Millions as Digital Device Use Skyrockets
- Vast Majority of Millennials Reporting Symptoms with Growing Digital Screen Time
- New Contact Lens Incorporates Breakthrough Optics Technology Plus Moisture-Retaining Material; Researchers Created Product from the Ground Up for Digital Lifestyles
PLEASANTON, CALIF., June 29, 2016 — CooperVision, Inc. today announced the introduction of Biofinity Energys™ with Digital Zone Optics™ lens design, pioneering contact lenses specifically created from the ground up for millions of digital device users. Combining breakthrough optical properties, a moisture-retaining material and a smooth, naturally wettable surface for long-lasting comfort, the patent-pending contact lenses are being rolled out in the United States on a phased basis beginning in July, and will enter select European markets later this year.
Seven in ten adults experience discomfort that comes with long hours of digital device use1, yet the widespread condition is often dismissed as “normal” by a population that has become accustomed to a digital lifestyle4,6,7. Discomfort is most commonly felt after two or more hours in front of a digital screen, characterized by tiredness, dryness, and redness. Extended exposure to bright light, screen glare and longer periods of device use can contribute to the issue. This type of use can also create varying degrees of physical discomfort, and may also contribute to productivity loss, sluggishness and stress.
The issue doesn’t discriminate by age. More than a third of Millennials spend nine or more hours each day on digital devices1. Not surprisingly, 68 percent1 to 88 percent2 of Millennials report eye tiredness and dryness symptoms. More information is available at FightEyeFatigue.com.
CooperVision® Biofinity Energys™ contact lenses are designed for all-day wear, helping people’s eyes better adapt so they can seamlessly and continuously shift focus between digital devices and offline activities. After one week of wear, eight out of ten digital device users agreed that Biofinity Energys™ lenses made their eyes feel less tired.3
Two elements are at the heart of the lens’ performance and optimization for digital device users:
- Digital Zone Optics™ lens design, the breakthrough that integrates multiple front-surface aspheric curves across the entire optical zone. This simulates what’s known as positive power in the center of the lens, helping reduce strain on the eyes’ ciliary muscle as a person moves their gaze from on-screen to off-screen and back with less effort.
- Aquaform® Technology, which attracts and binds water throughout the lens material to retain moisture even during times of reduced blinking, which is common with device use. This helps alleviate dry eyes, providing the hydration, breathability, and softness that healthy eyes deserve.
The lenses also incorporate a smooth, naturally wettable surface design with a special rounded edge. This reduces interaction between the lens and the inside of the eyelids, improving long-lasting wearing comfort.
“With the reliance on smartphones, tablets, laptops, in-car displays and more every day, we know that trying to change people’s behaviors — essentially asking them to scale back their device use or change how they interact with screens — has limited value. CooperVision committed itself to finding a better solution – one that could make a meaningful difference in people’s everyday lives,” said Dr. Gary Orsborn, Vice President of Global Professional & Clinical Affairs for CooperVision. “As a contact lens specifically designed for millions of digital device users, Biofinity Energys™ paves the way for meeting their demanding needs in a wholly new manner. Our research and development team broke new ground, discovering a way to address both optical and comfort aspects in a contact lens created to be worn throughout the day.”
More than 90 percent of adults use digital devices more than two hours a day1 and nearly 60 percent of adults use digital devices for greater than five hours per day.4 One study conducted at Indiana University found that greater than 75 percent of individuals using such devices report eye tiredness and dryness at least once per week or more, and 35 percent once per day or more5.
Despite the high usage, 90 percent of people do not talk with their eye care practitioner about their interaction with digital devices, according to a study by The Vision Council4. Since symptoms relating to device use have not historically been addressed in patients’ annual eye exams, the problem unfortunately has been considered an inescapable part of modern life.
“There’s no reason for eye tiredness and dryness to be the ‘new normal’ for the millions of contact lens wearers who are looking at screens throughout the day,” continued Dr. Orsborn. “We’re going to be working in close partnership with eye care practitioners to raise awareness among patients about the effects of digital device use, as well as through outreach to the consumer electronics industry. CooperVision’s purpose is to help improve the way people see each day, and there’s more opportunity than ever before to help so many individuals lead a better life while still enjoying their digital devices.”
Biofinity Energys™ lenses are designed to be replaced monthly, and require similar care and handling as other soft contact lenses to ensure a healthier wearing experience. Consumers should consult with their eye care professional before wearing this or any other lens.
1 The Vision Council. Hindsight is 20/20: Protecting Your Eyes from Digital Devices - 2015 Digital Eye Strain Report.
2 YouGov European Eye Fatigue Study, April 2016.
3 Data on file.
4 The Vision Council. Eyes Overexposed: The Digital Device Dilemma - 2016 Digital Eye Strain Report.
5 “Symptoms associated with eye fatigue in soft contact lens wearers.” Authors: D. Meyer, S. Huenink, M. Rickert, P. Chamberlain, and P. Kollbaum. Presented at the American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting, October 2015, New Orleans, La., USA.
6 “Doctor, My Eyes… Are Tired!” Review of Optometry, May 15, 2016.
7 The Vision Council. DigitEYEzed: The Daily Impact of Digital Screens on the Eye Health of Americans - 2014 Digital Eye Strain Report.