8 Concerning Takeaways from the Latest Digital Eye Strain Research

Vision Monday magazine recently featured a cover story called “MEGATREND: Screen Time,” examining the intensifying phenomenon of device use, and how it connects to digital eye strain.

Drawing from two recent surveys—a July 2018 VisionWatch survey by The Vision Council, and a new survey jointly conducted by Jobson Research and WebMD®—the publication unearthed some startling, perhaps even alarming trends.

​Read on to discover eight major takeaways of the research:

1. General awareness of digital eye strain is low.

​48.8% of U.S. consumers do not know what digital eye strain is.[1] This points to a growing need to educate patients.

2. Many eye doctors do not discuss digital eye strain with their patients.

While 71.2% of respondents have had an eye exam in the past year, roughly half said that issues related to device use were not discussed in the exam.[2]

3. Awareness of lenses to combat digital eye strain is very low.

69.1% of U.S. consumers do not even know that glasses with lenses to combat digital eye strain exist.[1]

4. Digital device use is prevalent.

More than 80% of adults report using digital devices for over two hours per day, with 67% using two or more devices simultaneously.[1]

5. Many people look at one device for 5+ hours a day.

21.8% of computer users say they use their desktop/laptop for five or more hours a day. Among smartphone users, the number is 10.6%.[2]

6. All this screen time is taking a toll.

Nearly six out of 10 American adults report digital eye strain symptoms, including: 

• Neck/shoulder pain (35%)
• Eye strain (32.4%)
• Blurred vision (27.9%)
• Headaches (27.7%)
• Dry eyes (27.2%)[1]

7. Children’s screen time is particularly worrisome.

70.6% of U.S. children are in front of screens for two or more hours daily.  And according to their parents, the impact extends beyond their vision. Parents report that children experience the following symptoms after two or more hours of screen time:

• Reduced attention span (15.2%)
• Irritability (13.5%)
• Poor behavior (13.3%)[1]

8.  Many parents have unconcerned attitudes toward kids’ eyes and devices.

24.7% of U.S. parents are “not concerned” about the impact of digital devices on their children’s eyes,1 even though kids now spend unprecedented amounts of time doing screen-based activities.

What can you do to help?

While the research signals a warning about the growing phenomenon of digital eye strain, you as an eye care professional can help.

Click the button below to discover five simple ways to help establish your practice as a go-to resource for patients suffering from digital eye strain.

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