The Digital Pandemic

In 2020, spending a copious amount of time on digital device screens has simply become a way of life.

In fact, according to new research from CooperVision conducted among nearly 2,500 adults in the U.S., 70% of those ages 18-54 reported spending more than half of their day looking at screens—and 1 in 3 spend more than 75% of their day on digital devices.

The effects of this downward spiral are clear—and many are experiencing the effects on their eyes. Of those surveyed, 77% experience digital eye strain at some point during the day. The evening (41%) and late-night hours (32%) are the most common times of day to experience feelings of eye discomfort, tiredness, and dryness from looking at screens.

This new research reveals an opportunity for eyecare professionals to discuss digital eye strain with their patients. Fewer than 1 of 5 respondents said that their eye doctor had ever talked to them about digital device use and its effect on the eyes—but 3 of 5 wished their ECP would share how to combat the symptoms of DES. Parents of school-aged children expressed even greater interest, with 2 out of 3 reporting they would like to have this discussion with their eye-care professional.

CooperVision has debuted a campaign aimed at educating consumers about the prevalence of digital device use and DES, which also leverages free trial offers to help drive patients into nearby eye-care practices.