June 18, 2021 — The Covid-19 pandemic forced change in many ways—including how frequently individuals used digital devices—and how deeply they’ve realized the effects of usage. 

New findings from a national survey commissioned by VSP Vision Care of 1,500 individuals revealed that 80% of Americans say pandemic-prompted screen time put their eyes in “overdrive.” Furthermore, two-thirds of respondents report experiencing some degree of eye discomfort daily and nearly a quarter say their eyes feel worse now than they did a year ago. 

Although more than half of respondents in the survey defined a “digital detox” as a break from screen time, eyecare professionals have the opportunity to educate patients about other ways to relieve eyes, other than the unrealistic measure of avoiding screens completely. For instance: although around 65% of respondents reported experiencing eye discomfort on a daily basis, half of Americans sometimes miss their annual exam or never go, according to the survey. 

“It’s important that people prioritize a visit to their eye doctor every year, not only to relieve eye discomfort but also for overall, long-term health,” says VSP-network optometrist Jennifer Wademan, O.D. “During an annual comprehensive eye exam, eye doctors, like myself, can determine how to provide relief from digital eye strain in ways that fit your lifestyle.”

The survey also found the more than 50% of parents are worried about the effects of their children’s increased screen time. Specifically, men are more likely than women to be worried about their children’s eyes and, when it comes to millennial dads, 6 in 10 are concerned about their children’s vision due to increased screen time. 

As Americans emerge from the pandemic, the survey also found that nearly 60% of Americans report prioritizing a visit to their eye doctor out of a greater interest for their overall health. 

“Visiting your eye doctor every year is about so much more than just seeing clearly,” says Kate Renwick-Espinosa, president of VSP Vision Care. “Eye care is health care, and through a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor can detect early signs of serious health conditions like diabetes and hypertension. It’s the perfect moment to make your family’s eye health a priority and engage with your optometrist as a unique member of your health care team.” 

VSP Vision Care has shared specific findings from the survey, including:

• More than 9 in 10 Americans think it’s important to take care of their vision. 
• Most Americans report a pandemic-related increase in screen time is affecting their
  eyes. 
• 4 in 5 are concerned about protecting their eyes coming out of the pandemic. 
• Nearly a quarter of Americans say their eyes feel worse now than before the pandemic. 
• 58% of Americans were aware of the term “digital eye strain” prior to the survey. 
• 13% first learned the term “digital eye strain” during the pandemic. 
• Over half of Americans report looking at a computer most of the day, every day. 
• Nearly 2 in 3 experience some degree of eye discomfort on a daily basis. 
• Roughly 1 in 5 Americans prioritize paying regular visits to the eye doctor. 
• 58% of Americans prioritize visiting their eye doctor in the next 12 months out of a
  greater concern for their health. 
• Some cite increased barriers to scheduling eye care appointments during the
  pandemic. 
• Over half would schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to relieve eye
  discomfort. 
• 80% would be willing to schedule routine computer breaks to relieve digital eye strain.

Find more information from the survey here.