Blog > Education > INTERVIEW: Personalizing the Vision Experience with the Right Blue Light Defense
It comes as no surprise that the use of digital screens has grown dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic began. A survey by Jobson, “Coronavirus Survey—Wave 14,” indicated that approximately two-thirds of eye care professional (ECP) respondents noticed more patients having issues due to increased screen time, and, more than two-thirds of those said the issues affected both adults and children.1
In her February 2021 article in 20/20,“Defeating Digital Eye Strain,” author Sarah McGoldrick cites growing evidence that digital eye strain (DES) is indeed on the rise due to the many hours logged on digital devices. Backed by numerous experts, she suggests several ways to combat DES, including (1) wearing blue-light-filtering eyewear, (2) applying the 20-20-20 rule,2 and (3) switching cell phones to night mode.
A Blend of Science and Detective Work
VSP Optics’ Alan Burt continues this conversation in the following interview with 20/20’s Lens & Technology editor Andrew Karp, discussing the importance of customizing lens enhancements to individual wearers’ needs when it comes to minimizing the effects of blue light. According to Burt, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach for managing blue light.
"We recommend that ECPs take a broad approach with a focus on understanding all facets of a patient’s lifestyle. It’s really a combination of science and a little detective work, essentially matching the unique visual needs of the patient with the nuances of the different product solutions that are available.” Alan Burt, VP Product Management and Technical Education – VSP Optics
Maintaining Visual Comfort in the Digital Age
It’s become increasingly important in today’s digital age to help patients reduce blue light exposure and combat digital eye strain around the clock. For those who typically spend two or more hours a day in front of a screen, lenses enhanced with TechShield Blue Anti-Reflective Coating are a fantastic way to help reduce excessive blue light exposure and maintain visual comfort. In addition, SunSync® Elite and Elite XT Light-Reactive lenses adapt on-the-fly to a person’s environment, delivering visual comfort, clarity, and blue light defense when and where it’s needed. They’re especially advantageous for people who move from indoors to outside frequently during the day.
“There are a growing number of lens options that can reduce the effects of discomfort glare, and help provide relief from digital eye strain,” continues Burt. He emphasizes that VSP strongly embraces industry collaboration to make the most of new opportunities, innovation and technology breakthroughs, and has launched new lens innovations in every major category.
For more information about blue light’s impact on children and how to reduce their exposure, download the free eBook, “Through A Child’s Eyes.”