According to a 2016 study by Nielsen, the New York-headquartered market research giant, the average adult now spends more than 10 hours a day staring at electronic screens of one kind or another – whether perched in front of an office PC or slouched at home while peering at the latest OLED TV.
Inevitably, this persistent proximity has seen the emergence of a wholly new medical condition – Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Triggered by prolonged optical exposure to digital devices, the condition is characterised by headaches, blurred vision and dry eyes, and can also lead to disrupted sleep patterns and, in extremis, mental health problems.
In order to counter this all-too-common phenomenon, an innovative Edmonton-based start-up – Umay Care – has developed the Umay Rest, a high-tech meditation device solely geared to soothing irritated eyes. Superficially resembling a traditional eyemask, the system combines the company’s patented Meditative Heat thermal therapy with a series of gentle, programmable vibrations, all designed to soothe your dry eyes and de-stress your ocular muscles.
Now available for pre-order at US$179, everyday use of the Umay Rest is said to reduce the likelihood of future optical sensitivity problems. Thoughtfully designed to complement your own sleep schedule, its Thermal Meditation technology is even said to help confirmed insomniacs get a little shut eye.