A Growing Problem, Backed by the Numbers
Nearly 97% of Australians report experiencing at least one eye-related issue, such as sore, tired, or strained eyes, according to Optometry Australia’s 2022 Vision Index, published during the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased screen time has been directly linked to these symptoms, as well as dry eyes and headaches.
The impact isn’t limited to the office or the couch. The same research found that 27% of Australians report squinting to see road signs at night, a finding flagged as a potential risk to drivers and the broader community.
The trend is also borne out in how much more time Australians are spending on screens. The Vision Index found that 42% of Australians reported their screen time had increased during the lockdown period. We can trace much of this shift back to the pandemic; however, the habits it created have stuck.
At the same time, gaming has firmly moved into the mainstream. An estimated 14.5 million Australian adults are now monthly active gamers, with 91% of Australian households owning a video game device and the average Australian gamer aged 18-34, a signal that eye strain linked to extended screen use is no longer confined to a niche group, but a broad, cross-generational concern.
Practices Are Seeing It First-Hand
“In my conversations with independent practices, the same thing keeps coming up. More patients are presenting with tired, dry, or strained eyes than ever before, and it’s not just office workers who are affected. It’s gamers, drivers, students, and people of all ages who spend hours a day in front of a screen, or multiple screens, even. It’s becoming one of the most common concerns practices are hearing in the chair.” — Jessica Kingsley, Opticare’s Professional Services Manager.
Introducing LED PRO
LED PRO is the first patented lens technology developed by Younger Optics, designed to help reduce the impact of high-energy visible light, which is a contributing factor in digital eye strain, without compromising lens clarity or colour perception. It is now available to independent optometry practices across Australia through Opticare.
LED PRO uses selective light-absorption technology to reduce the intensity of the two primary LED emission peaks (450nm and 590nm). This helps minimise LED-related discomfort while maintaining excellent visual clarity for everyday wear.
- Selectively reduces LED light intensity at 450nm and 590nm to minimise glare and visual discomfort.
- Blocks 100% UV light and high-energy visible light up to 400nm.
- Features an anti-reflective coating as standard and transmits almost 90% of visible light, providing clear, comfortable vision.
“Opticare has always focused on bringing practices access to the most advanced lens technology available, and LED PRO is a natural fit given what we’re hearing from the practices we work with every day. We’re excited to make it available to independent optometrists across Australia.” — Michael Nasser, Opticare’s Director.
Click this link to download the LED PRO brochure: LED PRO brochure.
Get in Touch
Independent optometry practices interested in LED PRO can contact the Opticare Business Development Manager in their state to learn more, ask questions, or place an order.
They can also contact Opticare at info@opticare.com.au or call 1800 251 852.
About Opticare
Opticare Pty Ltd is an Australan-owned and managed optical lab, providing optometry practices nationwide with advanced lens technologies and support. Find out more about Opticare at www.opticare.com.au.
Sources
- Optometry Australia, 2022 Vision Index Report — optometry.org.au
- Worldmetrics, Australia Gaming Industry Statistics — worldmetrics.org
- Expert Market Research, Australia Gaming Market Size & Trends — expertmarketresearch.com
