SAN RAMON, Calif.—Recognizing widespread digital device use in today’s “always on” society, CooperVision has released a report to help eyecare professionals better understand patients’ experiences with digital eye strain. The company has also addressed the growing issue of pediatric myopia through a new study on pediatric eye exams, while also celebrating the one-year anniversary of MyDay Energys contact lenses at SECO 2024. Based on recently conducted research with 750 U.S. adults aged 18 to 44 years requiring vision correction, the report on digital eye strain highlights substantial opportunity for practitioners to proactively address several device-related habits and symptoms as part of routine eyecare.

“A New Look at Digital Eye Strain” is available for download here.

“We found that among these (750) individuals, screen time is still increasing and we know that’s not going to go away,” Steve Rosinski, OD, senior manager, professional and academic affairs at CooperVision told VMAIL at SECO 2024. “A quarter of them are spending nine hours a day on a digital device, so it’s pretty significant.”

He continued, “One of the biggest opportunities is that nearly seven out of 10 of these individuals reported that they experienced symptoms of digital eye strain. But the conversation still isn’t really happening with the eyecare providers. We look at this as a huge opportunity for eyecare providers to fill a need that patients are looking for solutions on.”

This new data comes as CooperVision marks a milestone for its breakthrough MyDay Energys contact lenses, acknowledging the anniversary of its first year of availability in the U.S. with a celebration at SECO 2024. According to the company, many eyecare professionals have been quick to adopt the lenses to help support their spherical patients’ modern digital lifestyle, with additional growth anticipated in its second year on the market.

CooperVision’s MyDay Energys daily disposable and Biofinity Energys monthly replacement contact lenses combine an aspheric lens design and advanced material technology to address eye tiredness and dryness associated with digital eye strain. The lenses feature DigitalBoost Technology, a single vision aspheric lens design unique to MyDay Energys and Biofinity Energys that delivers a +0.3D boost, which may help ease strain so the wearer can shift focus from on screen to off with less effort.

 
 Steve Rosinski, OD, (l) and Justin Kwan, OD, FAAO.
In addition, Aquaform Technology retains water from core to surface without the need for surface coating or added wetting agents in the lens material. This can help eyes feel less dry, even during times of reduced blinking, the company said.

The company also discussed a recent study on eye health in pediatric patients, specifically, children who are not receiving timely management of their refractive error and/or ocular disease. The topic was addressed in one of CooperVision's scientific posters and papers presented at the recent 2024 Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS). “Current Trends in Pediatric Eye Examinations and Contact Lens Prescribing in the U.S.” analyzed data from more than 70,000 pediatric eye examinations (children aged 0-17 years) to quantify the proportions of these patients undergoing vision screenings by age group; the prevalence of myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and pre-myopia; the proportions of pediatric patients prescribed contact lenses; and the distribution of contact lens categories prescribed.

The study found that a minority of children undergoing eye examinations are aged seven years or younger (14 percent), and that nearly half (43.5 percent) of children exhibit more than 0.50DS of myopia in at least one eye. In addition, about one in two children aged 5-12 years potentially have pre-myopia in at least one eye. The retrospective review also found that eyecare professionals rarely prescribed contact lenses to their pediatric patients—only 15 percent of children according to the data.

“The importance of early eye examinations in pediatric populations cannot be overstated, since they facilitate the timely detection and management of various visual impairments, including myopia,” said Justin Kwan, OD, FAAO, the paper’s lead author and senior manager, myopia management for CooperVision. “Our data underscores the need for early intervention strategies, and the significant underutilization of contact lens prescriptions by ECPs for pediatric patients.”

According to the company, CooperVision’s MiSight 1 day is the first and only soft contact lens approved by the FDA to slow the progression of myopia and correct vision in children aged 8 to 12 years at the initiation of treatment. The company also offers Paragon CRT orthokeratology for myopia management.