Majority of US employees experience digital eye strain symptoms, according to VSP, Workplace Intelligence report

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New research released by VSP Vision Care found a majority of employees experience symptoms of digital eye strain and that it negatively affects their productivity and effectiveness.¹ Conducted by Workplace Intelligence, the second annual Workplace Vision Health Report survey found that 68% of employees experience digital eye strain symptoms such as blurred vision, eye strain, and dry, itchy eyes, with 59% reporting affects to productivity, according to a news release.

“With screen time increasing and eye health worsening for much of today’s workforce, employees are looking to their employers to provide vision care as part of their healthcare benefits offerings,” said VSP Vision Care President Usha Patil in the release. “By offering affordable high-quality vision benefits, encouraging regular eye exams, and managing factors that are contributing to worsening eye health, employers can help to support overall employee health, while also helping to foster loyalty and boost productivity.”

The survey polled 800 human resource benefit leaders and 800 additional full-time employees at US organizations. The research also reported an increase in screen time over the last year, as well as an increase in the prevalence of eye issues. Specifically, employees were getting an average of 97 hours of screen time a week, an increase of about an hour each week compared to last year. More than a third of that screen time comes from work. Additionally, 51% of employees stated that digital eye strain diminished their wellbeing and overall quality of life. As many as 27% of employees took time off from work due to digital eye strain.¹

“It’s important for employees – even if they don’t wear prescription glasses or think they have vision issues – to have access to eye care and be proactive about their eye health,” said VSP Vision Care Vice President of Clinical and Medical Affairs Dr. Valerie Sheety-Pilon. “Eye doctors can detect signs of more than 270 serious health conditions,² like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, during an eye exam. This is why an annual eye exam can provide employees with one of the simplest ways to help protect themselves and ultimately lead to better health outcomes.”

The large majority (89%) of human resource leaders also stated that “they could be doing more to address digital eye strain for their employees,” the release stated. Less than 6 of the 10 organizations polled have taken steps such as encouraging employees to take eye breaks, providing anti-glare screen protectors, or offering flexible hours to break up screen time.¹

“This new research found that on weekdays, workers are spending an alarming 90% of their waking hours on screens,” said Dan Schawbel, Managing Partner, Workplace Intelligence. “Employers who prioritize helping their team members address digital eye strain will benefit from a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce.”

The full 2025 Workplace Vision Health Report can be found on VSP’s website.

References:

1. New research from VSP Vision Care and Workplace Intelligence finds nearly 3 out of 4 of employees struggle with digital eye strain, 59% say it affects their productivity. News release. VSP Vision Care. February 25, 2025. Accessed February 28, 2025. https://www.vspvision.com/newsroom/eye-health-and-wellness/vision-care/new-research-from-vsp-vision-care-and-workplace-intelligence-finds-nearly-3-out-of-4-of-employees-struggle-with-digital-eye-strain-59-percent-say-it-affects-their-productivity

2. American Optometric Association. Systemic conditions with ocular and visual manifestations. 2014. Accessed February 28, 2025. https://www.aoa.org/AOA/Documents/Healthy%20Eyes/Eye%20and%20vision%20conditions/Systemic%20Conditions%20with%20Ocular%20and%20Visual%20Manifestations.pdf