A recent survey reveals that eye strain is related to job performance and affects 98% of people of working age.
The 2019 Vision Benefits Survey conducted in the United States reveals that employees have a strong expectation of receiving premium benefits for their visual health.
98 percent of workers say “seeing well at work” is important to them; However, according to new research, today’s employees don’t see as well as they should, and it’s making a big difference in how they feel and perform on the job.
According to the survey, 8 out of 10 people suffer from vision-related symptoms at work, ranging from eye fatigue and headaches (50% of employees) to dry eyes and blurred vision (2 out of 3 employees) . The survey discovered two factors specifically, digital eyestrain and light sensitivity, which have been linked to these symptoms and are affecting employees’ ability to do their jobs.
IMPLICATIONS OF DIGITAL VISUAL FATIGUE
Overall, 6 out of 10 employees experience digital eyestrain on the job. While it is a problem for all employees, it is more common among younger generations, who continue to make up a large part of the current workforce. 7 out of 10 millennials experience digital eyestrain on a frequent basis, while 1 in 5 say they suffer from it all the time.
Similarly, more than half of respondents frequently experience light sensitivity in their work area, and half mention that light sensitivity negatively affects their ability to work on a regular basis. Younger generations were more likely to express that they suffer from sensitivity to light in their work area; Those who experience it all the time are 1 in 5 Gen Z employees and millennials.
When asked how light sensitivity and digital eyestrain affect them at work, 4 in 10 say they are less productive than they might be and 3 in 10 say light sensitivity and fatigue Digital visuals make them unable to concentrate.
THE GENERATION THAT USES MORE LENSES
The new generations are more prone to wearing lenses since their eyes have been in front of luminescent screens since childhood and this has generated eyestrain.
Even though the vast majority of employees mention taking steps to protect their eyes from light sensitivity and digital eyestrain at work, such as lowering the brightness on their screen; limit your exposure time to electronic devices; and dim lights at your workplace: The survey found that most employees don’t wear the right lenses to protect their vision from these problems. Few employees reported taking such measures, 1 in 5 mentions that they wear lenses with anti-reflective coatings, while 2 in 10 wear photochromic lenses and 1 in 10 employees wear lenses with a filter for harmful blue light.
“Eye strain and light sensitivity are becoming an issue in the workplace, as has never been seen before, especially when research reveals that 44 percent of employees are more concerned with light sensitivity than in previous years, ”said Drew Smith, director of North American channels for Transitions Optical. “The recommendation to wear quality glasses that help alleviate the symptoms of light sensitivity and digital eyestrain favors employees feel more comfortable at work and can improve their daily lives.”
VISUAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS THINK …
When it comes to obtaining information on eye health, optometrists are by far the most reliable source, as the survey showed with 3 out of 4 employees in favor. Optometrists have an influence not only when it comes to eye health, but also at the time of purchase, according to respondents, 8 out of 10 buy superior quality lens options if recommended by the professional. And 5 out of 10 said they were willing to buy what their specialist recommends for their eye health, regardless of cost.
These numbers reinforce how important it is to provide lens options that help combat light sensitivity and digital eyestrain.
When it comes to choosing lenses, 94 percent of employees say quality lens options are important to them. The most desired lens options include:
• Scratch resistant lenses: 73% of employees.
• Anti-reflective or anti-reflective coatings: 71% of employees
• Photochromic lenses: 43% of employees.
• Protection against harmful blue light: 35% of employees.
IN SUMMARY
If your visual health is being affected by visual fatigue, it is recommended that you visit your optometrist and I recommend the best options and thus improve your work and family performance.