With moisture-retaining material and a smooth, naturally wettable surface, the new Biofinity Energys contact lenses by CooperVision, Inc. were specifically created for digital device users. The patent-pending 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 10 adults experience discomfort that comes with long hours of digital device use, yet the widespread condition is often dismissed as “normal” by a population that has become accustomed to a digital lifestyle.
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 devices. Reports say that 68 to 88 percent of Millennials report eye tiredness and dryness symptoms.
The 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.
Two key lens elements:
- Digital Zone Optics lens design 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 eye ciliary muscle as a person moves their gaze from on-screen to off-screen and back.
- Aquaform Technology 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.
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.
More than 90 percent of adults use digital devices more than two hours a day and nearly 60 percent of adults use digital devices for greater than five hours per day. 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 more.
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 Council. Since symptoms relating to device use have not historically been addressed in patients’ annual eye exams, the problem has been considered an inescapable part of modern life.
The new lenses are designed to be replaced monthly, and require similar care and handling as other soft contact lenses.
