The recently released 2022 Workplace Wellness Survey, conducted by Transitions Optical, has found increased concern over conditions related to digital device use. Of the survey respondents, 52% would seek care from an eye care professional (ECP) due to light sensitivity, 49% for eyestrain from digital device use, and 30% would visit an ECP for interest in blue light protection.

Both Christopher Lievens, OD, MS, FNAP, FAAO, of The Eye Center at Southern College of Optometry, in Memphis, Tenn., and Susan Keene, OD, of Envision Eye Care and Dry Eye Clinic, located in Virginia, say they believe that the effects of the quarantine and the increased popularity of the “work from home” model have contributed to patient concerns over conditions stemming from digital screen use.

“Working from home only exacerbates digital device usage. That being said, even folks who work in an office have growing demands on digital devices,” says Dr. Lievens. “I used to refer to our time now as the ‘digital device era’ but now I simply refer it as ‘life’ since it is now an assumed large part of everyone’s day.”

Dr. Keene cites a recent report (viewable at https://bit.ly/EyesafeReport ) which showed, during the pandemic, that screen use increased from 10 hours daily to more than 13 hours daily. “For many, that screen time is now their new normal,” she says.

PATIENT RESPONSE

Dr. Keene says she sees patients in all four of her practice locations who “come in daily with complaints around light sensitivity, computer fatigue, and concerns about blue light and its potential harmful effects.”

Dr. Lievens and Dr. Keene offer the following advice for ODs when talking to patients about these issues:

• Be the one to start the conversation. Dr. Lievens says that while he has seen an increase in patients asking about these issues, “many wait for me and other ECPs to open the door for the conversation. Protection, in general, remains a hot topic. This began during the pandemic and continues today. Once I bring up issues like light sensitivity and blue light protection, patients are very receptive.”
• What to ask about light sensitivity. When asking patients about light sensitivity, Dr. Lievens asks, “Have you ever felt like you were sensitive to light or bright light?” Nine out of 10 respond yes, which makes it “an easy opening,” he says.
• What to ask about digital device use. Before the patient starts the exam, have a technician ask the patient about their digital device use, says Dr. Keene. “We specifically ask about hours per day of digital device use, and we ask patients to describe the discomfort they feel after looking at screens and any steps they take to alleviate that stress.” Dr. Keene then reconfirms and expands on those answers in the exam room.
• Show patients their screen time. For another way to start the conversation about digital device use and its effects, Dr. Lievens asks his patients how much time they spend on their phone each day. Then he tells the patient how to search for the actual statistic on their phone – “they are always quite surprised,” he says. OM