In our constantly connected online world, millions of people who use smartphones, tablets and computers suffer from digital eye strain (DES), including exposure to potentially hazardous high energy blue light. Fortunately, modern spectacle lens technology offers many solutions for patients who have become “digit-eyezed,” ranging from advanced lens designs that alleviate DES to new materials and coatings that block the “bad” blue.

In case you missed it, the November issue of 20/20 included a special editorial supplement, Solutions for Digit-eyezed Living. This newly updated collection of articles from Vision Monday and 20/20 takes an in-depth look at this eye health and wellness issue, and examines its causes and effects. In it, you’ll find Cheryl Murphy, OD’s recommendation for ocular protection, tips for dispensing blue light filtering lenses, an analysis of the visual needs of Millennial-age patients, a comprehensive guide to blue light filtering products and spotlight on new eyewear for the digit-eyezed lifestyle. You can also find it on 2020mag.com, and a digital edition is available to subscribers.

If you’re still hungry for more information, I’d suggest watching my in-depth discussion with Tommy Lim, OD, about the dangers of overexposure to blue light in the video, “Be the Blue Light Expert for Your Patients.” You’ll find it on the Review of Optometric Business website at www.reviewob.com/be-the-blue-light-expert-for-your-patients.aspx.

I’d also recommend reading the Vision Council’s excellent 2015 report, “Hindsight is 20/20/20: Protect Your Eyes From Digital Devices,” which provides useful information for those of us who are digit-eyezed—which these days is just about everyone.

Andrew Karp
Group Editor, Lenses and Technology
[email protected]