BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN

Rebecca Li , Vision APAC Professional Education Senior Manager , Johnson & Johnson ( J & J ), shed light on the prevalence of this issue , its long-term impact , and the innovative solutions aimed at alleviating the discomfort caused by prolonged screen time .

PREVALENCE OF DES

In today ’ s technology-driven world , the use of digital devices has significantly increased , both in professional and personal settings .

“ More and more people are on their digital devices every single day ,” Li observed , highlighting the ubiquitous presence of screens in daily life - from workstations to restaurants .

This growing reliance on devices has led to a rise in DES , a condition characterised by a range of vision-related problems such as dry eyes , blurred vision , headaches , and neck and shoulder pain .

“ The prevalence of DES varies depending on the population and the study ,” Li explained .

Across the Asia-Pacific region , the condition can affect up to 90 per cent of people .

A quantitative cross sectional study in Malaysia published in the Malaysian Journal of Public Health Malaysia surveyed 216 University Students and found that 74.1 per cent of them were suffering from DES .

One key concern regarding DES is its potential long-term impact on overall eye health , particularly for younger populations who are increasingly exposed to screens .

“ Dry eye was historically considered an adult condition , but studies now show that up to 23 per cent of children experience it , correlating with increased time spent on digital devices .”

Li noted that prolonged use of digital devices reduces blink rates by as much as 60 per cent , which can lead to dry eyes .

“ Blinking is an essential part of eye health because it replenishes the tears on the front surface .”

Tears play a vital role in maintaining clear vision and comfort , and reduced

blinking can result in symptoms such as dryness , burning , and the feeling of a foreign body in the eye .

She emphasised that if left untreated , dry eye can worsen over time , underscoring the need for early intervention .

SOLUTIONS FOR DES

Li recommends seeking professional advice for those suffering from DES .

“ Anyone experiencing symptoms such as blurry vision , eye strain , or dry eyes should see an optometrist ,” she said .

Eye care practitioners can assess whether a change in prescription , contact lens technology , or lifestyle modifications might help alleviate discomfort .

“ The number one reason people stop wearing contact lenses prematurely is due to dryness at the end of the day .”

ACUVUE ® contact lenses incorporate tear- infused design with an enhanced network of tear-like molecules and highly breathable hydrated silicone that integrates with the patient ’ s own tear film each day . This ensures that wearers enjoy exceptional comfort throughout the day , even during prolonged screen time .

CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY FOR COMFORT

The ACUVUE ® OASYS Family of contact lenses has a design that helps with usage of digital screens .

The ACUVUE ® OASYS 1-Day has an internal wetting agent to help maintain a stable tear film and reduce dryness that may occur while using digital devices .

“ ACUVUE ® brand contact lenses have an invisible edge design so that

Rebecca Li

the eyelids can glide over the edge as if there ' s nothing there .”

Another critical feature of ACUVUE ® contact lenses is their UV-blocking capability , which helps protect the eyes from the harmful effects of UV radiation .

“ We know the impact UV radiation can have on the skin , but it can also damage the eyes ,” Li warned , highlighting the importance of UV protection for overall eye health .

One of J & J ' s standout innovations is its HydraLuxe ® technology , which is specifically designed to address DES .

HydraLuxe ® technology embeds a wetting agent across the contact lenses to stabilise the tear film and maximise comfort .”

Studies have shown that wearers of ACUVUE ® OASYS 1-Day with HydraLuxe ® Technology contact lenses experience superior comfort and less dryness , even after spending more than eight hours on digital devices .

This technology can help to reduce end of day dryness by mimicking natural tears and stabilizing the tear film .

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Li stressed the importance of awareness and proactive management of DES . For individuals experiencing symptoms , consulting an eye care practitioner is the first step in addressing the issue .

There are numerous ways to improve vision and comfort , from updating prescriptions to exploring advanced contact lens technologies .

With innovative solutions like ACUVUE ® contact lenses , Johnson & Johnson continues to lead the way with eye inspired innovations that allows individuals to enjoy clear and comfortable vision , even in the digital age .

Visit an optometrist to learn more about DES and the technologies available to combat it .

As the world continues to evolve in the digital age , J & J remains committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation .

“ Our mission is to make vision possible across a lifetime .”

As the use of digital devices increases , J & J is dedicated to developing new solutions to meet the changing needs of contact lens wearers .

Li assured : “ You can expect to see more from J & J in the near future .” – The HEALTH

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