Photo: Helen King/gettyimages
Rancho Cordova, CA — More than 7 out of 10 desk workers who recently took part in a survey say they’ve experienced digital eyestrain and other visual discomfort related to increased screen time.
Conducted by market research company Workplace Intelligence, the survey involved 800 human resource/employee benefit leaders and 1,200 adult full-time workers in the United States.
A report accompanying the survey results states that the workers averaged 99.2 hours of screen time a week – a 2.3% increase from the previous year. As a result, 71% of the workers reported experiencing screen-related visual discomfort.
According to a press release, the condition contributed to tired or uncomfortable eyes, blurred or double vision, and difficulty keeping visual focus after extended screen use. The workers also indicated that digital eyestrain limited their productivity, leading to an average of 7.5 lost hours of productive time each week.
Meanwhile, 87% of the HR officials said their organizations should increase efforts to help all workers decrease screen time.
The workers seem to agree: Only 34% reported that their employer encourages breaks to help prevent digital eyestrain, while 32% say their organizations offer education related to minimizing visual discomfort.
The report highlights the American Optometric Association’s recommendation to follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eyestrain caused by excessive screen time: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.
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Original article published by Safety+Health an NSC publication