Specifically, according to a report on January 30 by the Deloitte Business Institute and the American Optometric Association (AOA), more than 104 million people in the US, including nearly 70% of office workers, spend up to 7 hours a day looking at technology screens.
The report says that excessive screen time (more than seven hours of screen time per day) costs the U.S. $73 billion a year. The figure was determined by analyzing the direct financial costs to the U.S. healthcare system, the impact of health symptoms on productivity, and the health effects on an individual.
Nearly 70% of office workers in the US spend up to seven hours a day looking at a screen, according to a new report. (Photo: Christopher Hopefitch/Getty Images)
The ubiquitous presence of technology screens in everyday life puts people at higher risk of facing eye problems such as digital eye strain (DES), which can cause accompanying symptoms including neck and back pain, blurred vision, headaches and dry eyes.etc.
New research shows that just two hours of screen time per day can cause the above symptoms, and if left untreated, research shows they can lead to reduced productivity, exacerbate other undiagnosed eye conditions, and it can affect an individual's sleep quality, as well as their mental health.
However, the report suggests that the adverse effects of conditions like DES, as well as the direct costs to individuals, can be mitigated through regular visits to an ophthalmologist, the use of eye drops, and the appropriate glasses. The study found that people with excessive screen time could save up to $1,920 per person by seeing an optometrist regularly and managing their symptoms.
“These findings further underscore the importance of better device usage habits, and annual in-person comprehensive eye exams with optometrists to maintain your eye and overall health,” Ronald Benner, president of the American Optometric Association, said in a press release.
HUYNH DUNG (Source: CNBC)
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