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

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. – Today, VSP^® Vision Care released new research, conducted by Workplace Intelligence, that highlights a concerning trend: 68% of employees experience symptoms of digital eye strain, including blurred vision, eye strain, and dry, itchy eyes, and 59% report that it worsens their productivity and effectiveness at work.

The second annual Workplace Vision Health Report survey, which polled 800 human resource benefit leaders and 800 additional full-time employees at U.S. organizations, reveals an increase in screen time over last year, as well as an increase in the prevalence of eye issues. HR leaders also reported that they could be doing more to address digital eye strain for their employees.

“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. “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.”

Key findings from the 2025 Workplace Vision Health Report include:

• Excessive screen time: On average, employees are getting 97 hours of screen time a week—an increase of nearly an hour each week compared to last year. More than a third of that time comes from work.
  
• Worsening eye health: 63% of workers have at least one eye issue (up from 50% last year), including blurred vision, dry or itchy eyes, and eye fatigue. These issues are consistent with digital eye strain and could be tied to increased screen time.

• Negative impacts: Digital eye strain doesn’t just affect productivity: 51% of employees say it also diminishes their well-being and overall quality of life. Over one-quarter (27%) have taken time off from work due to digital eye strain.

• Employer action: 89% of HR leaders feel their organization should do more to help employees reduce digital eye strain. Less than 6 out of 10 have taken steps such as encouraging employees to take eye breaks, providing anti-glare screen protectors, or offering flexible hours so employees can break up their screen time.

“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, 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.”

“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.”

To access the 2025 Workplace Vision Health Report and tips to promote better eye health for employees, visit here.