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American workers are grappling with the economic consequences of excessive screen time, with more than 104 million individuals in the U.S., including nearly 70% of office workers, spending over seven hours a day in front of screens, according to a recent report by the Deloitte Economics Institute and the American Optometric Association.
The study unveiled that symptoms associated with “excessive screen time,” defined as more than seven hours per day, are inflicting a staggering cost of $73 billion on the U.S. annually. This calculation considered direct financial burdens on health systems, the impact of symptoms on workplace productivity, and the perceived effect on individuals’ overall well-being.
The pervasive use of screens in daily life is contributing to a higher incidence of eye-related issues, such as digital eye strain (DES), characterized by problems like neck and back pain, blurred vision, headaches, and dry eyes. Even two hours of daily screen time can trigger these symptoms, and if left unaddressed, they may lead to reduced productivity, worsen undiagnosed eye conditions, and impact sleep quality and mental health, as highlighted in the study.
Mitigation of the adverse effects of conditions like DES and the direct costs to individuals is possible through preventive measures, including regular visits to an eye doctor, using eye drops, and wearing appropriate glasses, the report suggests. The study indicates that individuals with high screen time exposure could potentially save up to $1,920 per person by seeking optometric care and actively managing their symptoms.
Ronald Benner, President of the American Optometric Association, emphasized the importance of cultivating healthier screen time habits and undergoing annual comprehensive eye exams. The study drew insights from 1,000 survey responses, spanning men and women aged 18 to 64 across all 50 states, coupled with a review of existing data and literature.