By Linda Conlin, Pro to Pro Managing Editor

VSP Vision™ has released the results of a survey of American workers. The survey found that they begin to experience eye strain just 27 minutes into virtual meetings. The survey polled 2,000 employed Americans split by generation and gave insight on the long-term impacts of an increasingly digital workforce, including screen fatigue and eye health concerns. (https://vspvision.com/newsroom/eye-health-and-wellness/vision-care/New-Research-from-OnePoll-and-VSP-Vision-finds-American-workers-begin-to-experience-eye-strain-in-virtual-meetings-within-27-minutes)

Seventy-one percent of survey respondents said they attend virtual meetings, with a significant number reporting they’ve experienced blurry vision, dry eyes, and headaches, which are symptoms of digital eye strain. Forty percent reported they feel their eye health has deteriorated over the last year, but 31% haven’t had an eye exam in the last two years.

The discomfort isn’t all from looking at one screen, however. The study found typical workers use four different screens daily, and 32% of respondents reported experiences with “screen fatigue” at least daily. An additional 18% struggle with “screen fatigue” multiple times a day.

As for perceptions, 66% of respondents take those who are dressed professionally more seriously during virtual meetings than those who aren’t, and 49% agree that glasses make someone appear more professional. What’s more, 32% agree that they consider people who wear glasses to be smarter than those who don’t, and 24% of Gen Z reported wearing glasses as a fashion statement.

For more information on the study and tips for maintaining eye health in the virtual work era, visit https://www.vsp.com/eyewear-wellness/eye-health/preserving-vision-in-the-virtual-work-era.