How The New EyeZen Lens Combats Digital Eye Strain

In this day and age, we are spending more and more time on our electronic devices. Spending more time on our devices doesn’t necessarily damage our eyes, but creates other problems; such as dry eyes,  eye fatigue, and blurred vision (distance and near). It also can cause thumb, wrist, and neck pain. These symptoms are often not permanent. But one way to prevent some of the eye problems is to eliminate using digital devices in day to day life. We all know that this will not happen, as we all use some digital devices of some sort. Therefor, lens manufacturers are designing new lenses specifically to combat eye fatigue and strain from digital devices, like Essilor’s new lens called the EyeZen lens.

Special Lenses For Digital Devices

We tend to use our eyes differently when using some digital devices. We are holding our phones closer when texting and reading them, causing our near vision to blur. They have identified the near vision problems and have called the distance at which we usually use devices at “ultra near vision”. Many lens companies such as Zeiss and Essilor have come out with specialty lenses to help with some of these issues. In some cases, these lenses are also known as anti-fatigue lenses. The main goal of these lenses are to help reduce eye fatigue and strain, therefor helping to illuminate some of the physical discomfort caused by digital device use. These special lenses allow most people to go back and forth between different focal distances without any problems. Anti-fatigue lenses are designed to be worn all the time. They are not task specific as they are designed to reduce digitally induced eye strain as well as eye stress from blue-violet light. Blue-violet light is a certain wave-length of light emitted by digital devices which can also cause problems.

How The EyeZen Lens Works

Essilor, is a leading company in optical lens manufacturing. They have developed a lens called “EyeZen”. This lens helps provide greater comfort, especially when using our handheld devices. The EyeZen lens is designed for people with a “connected” lifestyle. It utilized two important technologies. EyeZen lens technology brings an extra power boost optimized in the bottom of the lens, according to a patients visual needs. This helps our eyes to accommodate when using our ultra near vision. The second technology within the EyeZen lens, is unique light filtering technology which protects the eyes from harmful blue-violet light.

Given the high quality lens design, these lenses are easily accepted by patients with little or no adaptation.Some people notice eye fatigue more so at the end of the day, when our eyes are tired. Based on age and eyeglass prescription, the optometrist will determine which power boost is required.

Who Can Use The EyeZen Lens?

Essilor’s EyeZen lenses are recommended for people aged 18 to 40, who are experiencing symptoms of near vision fatigue. They are also recommended for the 35 to 40 year olds who are starting to experience minor problems with reading, but are not ready to make the transition into progressive lenses.

Extra Tips To Help With Eye Fatigue – 20/20 Rule

Even when using special digital device lenses, such as the EyeZen lens, there are extra measures that can be taken to help reduce visual discomfort while using digital devices. One tip that is often recommended by eye care professionals is to frequently practice the 20/20 rule. The 20/20 rule is that for every 20 minutes spent on your device, look at something in the distance for 20 seconds. This will give your eyes a break, by helping change the distance at which they are focusing.

Article Written By: Karen McAulay