We live in a digital world, and the number of digital devices available today is astronomical. On average, Americans own four digital devices spending roughly 60 hours per week viewing a digital screen*. That is almost nine hours a day! As a result, we are more connected to one another, to our businesses, to our retailers. We are changing the dynamic in which we receive and view information, but are we changing the way we manage the affects this digital age can have on our eyes?
Prolonged usage of computers, televisions, cell phones and tablets can cause a variety of eye and vision-related problems called Computer Vision Syndrome, also referred to as Digital Eye Strain. If you experience eye discomfort, redness, blurry vision or headaches while using digital devices, then you are most likely suffering from Digital Eye Strain – and it only worsens the more you use your devices.
At Optikk 30A we will work with your specific vision and digital needs to eliminate eye strain. There are many options to help reduce your eye strain and optimize your eyesight while viewing digital screens:
Computer Glasses – We proudly use the ZEISS Officelens which we customize to your individual needs. This new technology from ZEISS provides individually adjusted eyeglass lenses for work – ensuring clear and sharp vision with large fields of vision at the near and intermediate working distance. The Officelens is the ideal solution ergonomically as it maintains the head and neck in a natural position eliminating the neck and upper back pain and tension headaches that can be associated with traditional progressive lenses.
Contact Lens Technology – We blink less while using digital devises, resulting in dryer eyes and dryer contact lenses. Talk to your optometrist about switching to a contact lens that can keep your eyes fresh and hydrated.
Anti-reflective lens coating, also known as anti-glare treatment or anti-reflective (AR) coatings help eliminate reflections of light from the front and back of your lenses. We proudly offer ZEISS Duravision BlueProtect which filters out the harmful blue light from LED lights, digital devices, TV screens and computers. Reducing the eye’s exposure to this type of blue light helps prevent retinal cell damage and phototoxicity.
The best part of all is most eye care expenses (especially occupational eye care) are covered if you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Most health insurance providers offer a FSA with their plans to allow you tax-free dollars to be used for medical expenses not covered by insurance. Check your plan, because most FSA plans expire at the end of the year, meaning you will lose the funds still in that account if you don’t use them up.
It’s simple. Here is what you need to do:
Step 1: Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist.
Step 2: Understand your FSA Plan and know what is covered.
Step 3: Work with your optometrist to find the best way to protect your eyes from Digital Eye Strain and how to take advantage of your FSA to cover these costs.
Step 4: Use your devices safely with protective eyewear or innovative contact lenses.
In today’s world we are overloaded with responsibilities. Smart phones and tablets make it possible to multitask. We work from our phones, we shop from our phones, we dine from our phones, and we even manage relationships on our phones. So use your phone or tablet right now to take care of yourself and your eyes and search for Optikk 30A. Call us or look us up to schedule an appointment, shop our styles, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
*http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/reports/2014/the-us-digital-consumer-report.html