New article:
A recent study highlights the importance of eye care and preventive health education in today’s workforce. Conducted by VSP in collaboration with Workplace Intelligence, the 2024 Workplace Vision Health Report surveyed over 1,600 HR leaders and employees to provide insights into eye health. The report found that half of the employees surveyed are experiencing at least one eye issue that significantly impacts their work focus and quality, with increased screen time being a major factor.
Despite the prevalence of eye issues, fewer than one in five employees are aware that eye exams can detect serious conditions like arthritis and cancer, highlighting the need for improved preventive health education. The report also revealed that 52 percent of workers without vision benefits are considering switching jobs to employers offering such benefits. For Gen Z employees, high screen time due to working nights and weekends has led to a decline in eye health for 54 percent of respondents.
On average, employees spend 96.1 hours of screen time per week, with 91 percent of their time spent in front of screens on workdays and 74 percent on weekends. Prolonged screen time, coupled with longer working hours (reported by 69 percent of employees), has contributed to declining eye health for 43 percent of workers. To address these issues, employers can offer better vision benefits and promote eye health initiatives, which can lead to improved productivity, focus, and mental health for employees. Additionally, increasing awareness of the broader health benefits of regular eye exams is crucial.
To learn more about the full report, visit the VSP website. Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.
