VSP Vision Care released new findings that show desk workers now average nearly 100 hours of screen time per week. In addition, 71% report screen-related visual discomfort, which results in reduced productivity.
Conducted in partnership with Workplace Intelligence, the data comes from the 2026 Workplace Vision Health Report, based on a survey of 800 human resource and benefits leaders and 1,200 full-time U.S. employees. For the first time, it also included non-desk workers, including medical professionals, revealing that screen exposure extends well beyond traditional office roles.
Plus, the full report outlines strategies for building more eye-friendly workplaces.
Screen Time and Productivity
Key findings from the survey report include:
- Rising screen time: Desk workers reported 99.2 hours of screen time each week, up from 97 hours last year. Non-desk workers reported nearly as much exposure, averaging 87.6 hours per week.
- Visual discomfort. More than 70% of desk workers and nearly 60% of non-desk workers experienced screen-related visual discomfort, including tired or uncomfortable eyes, blurred or double vision, and difficulty maintaining focus after extended screen use.
- Productivity loss. Workers experiencing screen-related visual discomfort reported an average 18.6% reduction in productivity. This equates to approximately 7.4 hours per week—nearly one full workday of lost time.
Shared Responsibility and Eye Care
Valerie Sheety-Pilon, OD, senior vice president of clinical and medical affairs at VSP Vision Care, says that when screen time reaches this level, the ECP’s role becomes crucial and regular eye care becomes essential.
“Eye doctors are on the front lines of identifying and managing screen-related eye issues, helping workers prevent discomfort before it escalates into productivity loss or broader health issues,” she says. “Through annual eye exams, personalized guidance, and early detection of vision and health concerns, eye doctors play a critical role in supporting today’s workforce and helping employers build truly eye-friendly workplaces.”
In the survey, one in four employees said they have taken time off due to discomfort associated with extended screen use, averaging 4.5 days per year. Yet only about one-third of workers said their employers encourage eye breaks or provide education on reducing digital eye strain. Meanwhile, 87% of HR leaders acknowledged their company should do more.
Managing digital eye strain is a shared responsibility, says Dan Schawbel, managing partner at Workplace Intelligence. “In fact, 66% of employees acknowledge that they need to do a better job of managing digital eye strain, for example by taking more frequent breaks,” he says. “However, employers have a clear opportunity to strengthen their commitment to their staff by actively supporting them in addressing this issue.”