While nearly 88 percent of all computer users will develop Computer Vision Syndrome at some time in their lives according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, a new nationwide study of Americans’ attitudes and experiences with vision care reveals that contact lens wearers are more likely than non-wearers to experience at least one of the symptoms often associated with the disorder. Now, new research demonstrates that the use of new-generation silicone-hydrogel lenses (senofilcon-A) can alleviate some of these problems.
Nearly half (45 percent) of computer users report they at least sometimes experience dry or tired eyes during or after using a computer, but contact lens wearers are significantly more likely than non-wearers (57 percent vs. 43 percent) to describe these symptoms. Furthermore, one-third of contact lens wearers (36 percent) polled say they experience contact lens discomfort while working at a computer according to findings from Americans’ Attitudes and Perceptions About Vision Care, a nationwide survey of more than 3,700 adults conducted by Harris Interactive® on behalf of The Vision Care Institute™ of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
“The unique characteristics and high visual demands of computer work make many individuals, particularly contact lens wearers, susceptible to the development of eye and vision-related problems,” explains Dr. Jeffrey Anshel, a practicing optometrist and author of Visual Ergonomics in the Workplace. “Research shows that while using a computer, we blink about three times less than normally. These long non-blinking phases can cause the surface of most contact lenses to dry out, which can lead to extreme discomfort and a loss of visual clarity.”
A study published in the current issue of Eye & Contact Lens, the peer reviewed journal of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, demonstrates that contact lenses made with senofilcon A, a new-generation silicone hydrogel material in ACUVUE OASYS® Brand Contact Lenses with HYDRACLEAR™ Plus, can alleviate some of the common problems of soft contact lens wear.
About the Study
At the outset of the study, researchers evaluated clinical data from 1,092 current soft contact lens wearers to calculate the prevalence of six common signs and symptoms associated with contact lens discomfort. Criteria included patient reports of frequent or constant discomfort or dryness, and at least two hours of uncomfortable wear at the end of the day. Nearly half (48%) showed at least one of the six criteria. Uncomfortable hours of wear at the end of the day (31%) was the most commonly reported problem, followed by frequent or constant dryness (28%) and discomfort (17%).
Following the evaluation, 257 wearers were fit with senofilcon A lenses and reassessed two weeks later. Among subjects who reported problems before refitting, 88% said they noticed improvement in overall comfort, 76% in comfortable hours of wear, and 75% in frequency of dryness.
Environmental Factors Can Affect Eye Stress and Strain
While uncorrected or under-corrected vision problems can affect visual performance and comfort, eye stress and strain may also be caused by poor environmental conditions, such as glare, improper workstation set up, dirty screens, poor lighting and viewing angles, according to Dr. Anshel, who has helped companies and government agencies, including Mitsubishi, American Airlines, 3M, and the Department of Labor address the high stress area of vision demands in relation to working with computer monitors.
He offers the following advice to help prevent or reduce the development of vision-related problems:
REDUCE GLARE – Extraneous light, or glare, is the greatest source of eyestrain for computer users. No matter where your computer is relative to a window, adjustable shades, curtains or blinds should be used to effectively control light levels throughout the day. Avoid facing an un-shaded window since the difference in brightness between the screen and the area behind it may be cause eye stress and discomfort. Consider using an anti-glare screen to reduce reflections.
ADJUST YOUR MONITOR – Ideal monitor placement is dependent on several factors including an individual’s physical make-up and visual capabilities, work tasks, and other workstation design elements. For maximum eye comfort, Dr. Anshel recommends placing the center of the screen five to nine inches below your horizontal line of sight. “You should be looking just over the top of the monitor in your straight-ahead gaze,” he says.
TAKE A BREAK – “Our eyes were not made to see at a close distance for hours at a time without a break,” says Dr. Anshel. A preventive approach to reducing visual stress includes occasionally looking away from the screen of your computer. Dr. Anshel recommends the 20/20/20 rule. “Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes. Focus your eyes on points at least 20 feet from your terminal. Keep your eyes moving while looking at objects at various distances,” he says.
CONSULT YOUR EYE CARE PROFESSIONAL – For individuals whose jobs may require extensive time in front of a monitor, Dr. Anshel suggests a comprehensive eye examination soon after beginning computer work and periodically thereafter. “If, at any time, you experience any vision problems or discomfort, talk to your eye care professional,” he adds.
For additional tips, take the “Eye Q’s and Views” interactive quiz at computerquiz.jnjvision.
About the Survey
Americans’ Attitudes and Perceptions About Vision Care was conducted online and by telephone within the United States from March 8 – March 27, 2006 by Harris Interactive® on behalf of The Vision Care Institute™ of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. The survey queried a nationally representative cross section of 3,716 adults aged 18 and older. The survey was designed to comply with the code and standards of the Council of American Survey Research Organizations (CASRO) and the code of the National Council of Public Polls (NCPP). Data were weighted to represent the general population.
About ACUVUE® OASYS™ Brand Contact Lenses with HYDRACLEAR™PLUS
ACUVUE® OASYS™ is a breakthrough for contact lens wearers when their eyes feel tired and dry in challenging environments, such as long hours of computer use, frequent ground or air travel, or everyday exposure to heated or air conditioned surroundings. It is the first contact lens made from senofilcon A, a new silicone hydrogel material that is 50 percent smoother than currently available silicone hydrogel lenses. In addition to its smooth feel, the new lens also features HYDRACLEAR™ PLUS an improved formulation of the unique HYDRACLEAR™ technology that combines high performance base materials with a moisture-rich wetting agent. ACUVUE® OASYS™ block greater than 96 percent of UVA rays and 99 percent of UVB rays, meeting the highest UV-blocking standards for contact lenses.
ACUVUE® OASYS™ is indicated for daily wear vision correction and may also be worn for up to six consecutive nights/seven days of extended wear as recommended by an eye care professional. Contact lenses should not be worn for longer periods than recommended by an eye care professional. As with all contact lenses, eye problems, including corneal ulcers, can develop. Some wearers may also experience mild irritation, itching or discomfort. Lenses should not be worn if the wearer has an eye infection or experiences eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. For more complete information patients should talk to their eye care professional, or call 1-800-843-2020 or visit acuvue.
Helps protect against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye.
WARNING:
UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed.
Long term exposure to UV radiation is one of the risk factors associated with cataracts. Exposure is based on a number of factors such as environmental conditions (altitude, geography, cloud cover) and personal factors (extent and nature of outdoor activities). UV-Blocking contact lenses help provide protection against harmful UV radiation. However, clinical studies have not been done to demonstrate that wearing UV-Blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or other eye disorders. Consult your eye care practitioner for more information.
ACUVUE® OASYS™ and HYDRACLEAR™ are trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
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