Nearly 70% of computer users experience symptoms associated with digital eye strain, and the condition is estimated to affect approximately 60 million people globally, according to data cited in a white paper from Newton. Further, approximately 1 million new cases are identified each year, they noted.

This paper accompanies a press release on the company’s Sequel progressive addition lenses (PALs) with Convergence Boost technology in established progressive lens wearers who use digital devices extensively. The 6-week prospective clinical study reported statistically significant reductions in digital eye strain symptoms, along with high satisfaction scores for visual comfort and clarity.

The prospective study was conducted at 6 clinical sites in the United States over a 2-month enrollment period. Thirty participants enrolled, and 29 completed the 6-week follow-up. Participants were required to be at least 40 years old, established progressive lens wearers, and users of digital devices for at least 4 hours daily. The average participant age was 58.3 years, and the average baseline Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) score—a validated 16-item questionnaire that assesses the frequency and intensity of digital eye strain symptoms and the study’s primary endpoint—was 6.83. Scores of 6 or higher are considered symptomatic.

At 6 weeks of wear, median CVS-Q scores decreased from 7 at baseline to 2—a 71% reduction in digital eye strain symptoms and a statistically significant improvement (P<0.05), according to the white paper results. In addition, the company said, this change moved the median participant from above the validated symptomatic threshold to below it.

Further, 76% of participants reported no end-of-day eye fatigue, 83% reported being very comfortable performing everyday tasks, 65% reported being very satisfied with their wear, more than 65% reported no distortion or blurring through the lenses, and 86% reported no swaying sensation while wearing the lenses.

Net promoter scores exceeded 40 across all evaluated visual comfort domains and exceeded 60 across all visual clarity domains. The highest clarity scores were associated with viewing dashboards and watching television.

According to the white paper, conventional PALs primarily address accommodative demands but do not account for vergence demands during prolonged near and intermediate tasks. The plus power used for near correction can induce exophoria and increase convergence demand during sustained digital device use. Sequel PAL Convergence Boost technology applies prismatic correction in the lower intermediate and near zones of the lens to support a more natural vergence position during near and digital tasks, Newton described. The company also noted that the technology is integrated into the lens design without requiring additional patient measurements or diagnostic steps beyond standard PAL prescribing and dispensing.

The white paper identified established PAL wearers with complaints of eye strain, end-of-day fatigue, or discomfort associated with digital device use as likely candidates for Sequel PAL. All participants were already adapted to progressive lenses, which may have contributed to the reported adaptation experience and satisfaction levels, Newton said. They added that larger trials would strengthen generalizability of the findings, given the small sample size.

Sequel PAL lenses are now available through VSP, according to Newton.OM