A newly released report by the American Optometric Association (AOA) through the Deloitte Economics Institute (DEI) details the potential risks associated with unmanaged screen time in the United States.
First off, give me some background.
In today’s world, digital device usage has become the norm—and for most, a necessity for completing everyday activities for work, education, and recreation.
However, with this have come unavoidable consequences such as digital eye strain (DES) or computer vision syndrome (CVS), leading to:
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Neck or back pain
- Other ocular health complications (such as myopia)
And as a result, the potential for decreased productivity, the exacerbation of other undiagnosed eye conditions, and further effects on sleep quality and mental health.
Now talk about this report.
Per the AOA, The impact of unmanaged excessive screen time in the United States addresses two items:
- Understanding the economic implications of unmanaged screen time in the country
- Identifying how optometrists can prevent further costs via annual comprehensive eye exams
Of note, the authors emphasized that the report’s purpose was not to determine alternate ways to “minimize the impact of excessive screen time, such as interventions that reduce exposure to screen time or that improve ergonomics,” they wrote.
How was data gathered?
The report noted the following methodologies for data collection:
- Review of publicly-available existing literature and data
- Peer-reviewed published studies (systematic reviews and meta-analyses)
- Survey distributed to representative sample of 1,000 responses from working age population (18 to 64)
And how was excessive screen time defined?
The report’s definition: 7+ hours of screen time per day.
And “unmanaged excessive screen time” was determined to be 7+ hours of screen time per day + not having visited an optometrist within the last year for an eye examination.
So what were some key findings?
The report detailed that as little as 2 hours of screen exposure on a daily basis could induce digital eye strain symptoms and, as a result, discomfort—potentially leading to a diminished quality of life (QoL).
In fact, from 2014 to 2020, daily screen time increased from averaging 6 hours and 52 minutes to 7 hours and 18 minutes.
Further, nearly 90% of Americans in 2016 were estimated to use digital devices for 2+ hours a day, which maintained through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Go on …
Nearly 70% of the U.S. workforce in office jobs (104 million Americans) are exposed to excessive screen time vs just 42% of workers in other occupations.
That 104 million correlates to an estimated one in every two people aged 18 to 64.
To note, such screentime was most prevalent among the 30 to 39-year-old vs any other age cohort.
What about unmanaged screen time?
For those individuals exposed to excessive screen time, less than 32 million (31%) reported not seeing an optometrist within the last 12 months—and 55% of that total indicated experiencing vision-related symptoms that could be treated by regular visits to the doctor.
Any data on the cost of this?
The report detailed that the total health system and productivity cost of this excessive screen time was an estimated $51.8 billion in 2023 (57.6% male; $29.8 billion).
Broken down, that “equates to a cost per person of $579 (for males) and $418 (for females).”
In regards to health system costs, however, females incurred 50.4% ($615 million) of the $1.2 billion total. “This is a result of females having higher prevalence rates of excessive screen time,” the report stated.
What do these health systems include?
Paid via private health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare supplemental insurance, and government investment, these include:
- Consultations with eye-related specialists (optometrists) or family practitioners for symptoms related to excessive screen time exposure
- Emergency department visits for such symptoms
- Glasses or contact lenses
- Pharmaceuticals for managing such symptoms
And the benefits of seeking care?
Based on survey data, the report found that 69% (of the 104 million) of individuals exposed to excessive screen time have visited an optometrist within the last year.
Further, an estimated average of $1,920 per person was found to be saved by regular visits in 2023; if an average American visited an optometrist once a year, this would equate to an annual gain (ie: fewer health care expenses) of up to:
- $45.5 billion in productivity
- $26.3 billion in wellbeing improvements
Overall, if individuals exposed to excessive screen time had regular optometric visits, this would total $61.1 billion in benefits (based on 2023 data.
Any limitations to consider?
The report noted a few for future research on this subject:
- Need for a broader cost-effectiveness analysis to consider the awareness and education required for shifting population perceptions as well as implications for the optometric workforce
- Additional benefits from regular optometric visits (yearly diagnosis, improved eye health management)
- Limited current literature on the number of individuals exposed to excessive screen time
- Future analyses should consider the under-18 age group
And any tips for promoting eye health?
Yes, actually! The AOA developed a resource for health screen time habits titled Eye Health Guidance in the Workplace – A User Guide Study Companion—click here to learn more.
And see here to learn how else the AOA is promoting more eye-friendly screen habits.
Take home.
Per AOA President Ronald L. Benner, OD, the report data indicates that forgoing optometric visits can result in notable cost implications and potentially reduce QoL.
“These findings further underscore 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,” he stated.