Screen sickness among Americans is on the rise: It’s costing the country

Symptoms associated with excessive screen time are costly USA Approximately 73 billion dollars annuallyThis has come to light in a recent study conducted by Deloitte Economic Institute and The American Optometric Association (AOA). This figure comes from an analysis of the direct costs incurred by health systems and the negative impact on work productivity as well as the personal well-being of individuals.

According to research, collected by CNBCMore than 104 million Americans are affected by this problem, representing close to 70% who work in office And they spend more than seven hours a day in front of a screen.

President of the American Optometric Association, Ronald BannerA press release highlighted the importance of adopting good screen habits and having annual comprehensive eye exams: “These findings emphasize the importance of better screen time habits and receiving annual in-person comprehensive eye exams with an AOA Doctor of Optometry to maintain your eye and overall health.”.

Pathologies associated with this prolonged exposure, such as digital eye strain (DES) can include a variety of symptoms: neck and back pain, blurred vision, headache, and dry eyes. It has also been shown that just two hours a day in front of a screen, “reduces productivity, increases other unexplained eye conditions and can affect sleep quality and a person’s mental health.” Reads in the studio.

Experts suggest that the negative impact of these conditions, in addition to the direct cost to the individual, can be reduced by regular visits to the optometrist, the use of eye drops and the use of appropriate glasses. According to the study, individuals with excessive exposure to screen time can save up to $1,920 per person by properly managing their symptoms.

For this calculation, the research was based on a sample of 1,000 survey responses from men and women aged 18 to 64 from all states. USAIn addition to a review of the data and existing literature.

A study done by All about vision In 2022, it was established that employees who work from home spend an average of 13 hours a day in front of a screen, two hours more than those who work in person, which not only increases vision problems among remote workers, but their Work performance is also negatively affected.

According to the research, remote workers spend about 6 hours and 43 minutes on their computer screens, adding 3 hours and 21 minutes browsing their phone or social networks and about 2 hours and 54 minutes watching television. These statistics collectively contribute to the extended screen hours these employees face.

More than two-thirds of respondents said increased screen time has led to new vision problems, and nearly 28% said they don’t get enough breaks during their workday. Despite these challenges, 88% of survey participants a Ophthalmologist In the past two years, where 45% of them received a prescription for new corrective lenses, the newspaper published Hill.

To combat these negative effects, several strategies have been suggested, including taking frequent breaks, limiting screen time by working on non-essential tasks, and wearing blue light-blocking glasses.

study of All about vision Includes 1,000 Americans, of whom 33.53% work under a hybrid plan; 33.23%, in person; And the same percentage, by far.