With studies likening screen and social media dependency to cocaine addiction, consumers are starting to realize the toll digital devices are taking on their mental/social well-being—and on their eyes.
This new focus has sprouted a flock of apps—with names like Freedom, App Detox, and Off the Grid—designed to help screen users with their self-control. Apple has jumped on board, too, including an app called Screen Time in its iOS12 update that reports how much time users have spent on certain apps.
And now Shire has created screen responsibly, an initiative to educate patients about digital eye strain and dry eye caused (or exacerbated) by screen time—and to encourage them to talk to their ECPs about ways to maintain eye health.
“Often, questions about screen time are not asked in the eye exam, and patients are so accustomed to spending time on devices that they neglect to mention eye discomfort with screen time to the doctor,” says Kelly Nichols, O.D., MPH, Ph.D., FAAO, dean of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry.
A consumer website (screenresponsibly.com ) has a screen personality quiz that guides users to content tailored to their unique screening style, while an ECP-facing website (myeyelove-ecp.com/screening-responsibly ) contains eye-opening statistics about patients’ attitudes toward their digital screens. —Susan Tarrant
10%
of ECPs believe patients spend 10+ hours a day on screens, but 30% of patients report doing so
15%
of ECPs “always” discuss screen use during routine eye exams
91%
of adults would be interested in learning how to mitigate the negative effects of screens on eye health
source: Shire plc survey
On Our Radar
THE BIGGEST TRENDS IN SIGHT…
Wild Child
One of fall’s biggest + boldest style trends ushers in a pride of animal prints—from chic leopard and sleek snake to wild zebra looks. How to wear them on-point this season? For the bold-at-heart, allover head-to-toe animal style—even in clashing prints (think leopard meets tiger)—is on trend. For those wanting a mere taste of the trend, simple accents via accessories like eyewear will make a statement. Some specs collections—such as KLiiK denmark from WestGroupe shown here—reveal a stunning mix of animal prints for the season that patients will fall for.
SILMO STYLE
SILMO Paris optical fair is preparing for a promising show at the Paris Nord Villepinte from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1. This year’s “World Optical Fair” boasts 108 new companies registered, as well as enhanced event tools, including the SILMO Next space and an advanced version of the SILMO M@TCH app, an easy way to discover products, plan meetings, and more. To take a closer look at what’s in store, check out the latest TRENDS by SILMO magazine: en.silmoparis.com/discover-silmo/press/trends-by-silmo .
The Global Stage
Want to see what’s trending on the global stage in both frame stylings and optical tech innovations? The HKTDC Hong Kong Optical Fair hosts more than 800 optical companies from the Chinese mainland, Europe, Japan, Korea, and more Nov. 7-9 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Returning highlights include a 220-brand Brand Name Gallery (replete with eyewear parades), and pavilions sporting the latest lens tech, smart eyewear, and diagnostic equipment. New this year is a look at IT solutions for optical and optical fitting equipment.
Register now for free admission and three options of discount travel incentives.
For more information, and to read the Fair magazine, visit hktdc.com/fair/hkopticalfair-en .
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