Americans across the country are looking at screens before work, during the workday, and well after it ends. A 2026 YouGov survey reveals that 64% of U.S. adults estimate they spend at least five hours a day staring at phones, computers, or televisions, and one in ten reports more than 12 hours of daily screen exposure.
What the numbers really mean
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) draws a clear line between temporary digital eye discomfort and proven eye disease. While many people experience burning, watering, or difficulty focusing after long screen sessions, the academy says routine computer and smartphone use has not been shown to permanently damage the retina.
Federal data paints a slightly different picture. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that, in 2025, people ages 15 and older averaged 2.6 hours of television viewing each day, plus 37 minutes of leisure gaming or computer use. Those figures do not capture the full range of smartphone activity or work‑related screen time, so they should not be taken as a total screen‑time count.
How work habits affect the eyes
A November 2026 workplace study commissioned by eyewear company Overnight Glasses examined 65 occupations that rely heavily on digital technology. Occupational therapists ranked highest on the “eye‑friendliness” index, with computer‑related tasks making up only 11.8% of their duties. Library technicians followed, then interpreters and translators. By contrast, general office clerks spent 85.3% of their workday sitting, a factor that can exacerbate eye strain.
It is important to note that the study measured job characteristics, not actual eye‑health outcomes. The AAO reminds readers that long periods of driving, reading, or any close‑up work can cause similar discomfort, so screen exposure is not the sole workplace concern.
Simple steps to reduce discomfort
The academy’s guidance emphasizes three easy habits:
- Blink often. Normal blinking occurs about 15 times per minute, but drops to five‑seven when using digital devices. Conscious blinking helps keep the eyes lubricated.
- Take regular breaks. The 20‑20‑20 rule—look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—interrupts sustained near‑focus work.
- Adjust your environment. Position screens about an arm’s length away, reduce glare, match brightness to the room, and consider dimmer, warmer display settings in the evening to protect sleep.
Artificial tears can relieve dryness when needed, and persistent symptoms such as pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision warrant a professional evaluation.
Children and nearsightedness
Research published in February 2025 in JAMA Network Open pooled 45 studies involving more than 335,000 participants with an average age of nine. Each additional hour of daily digital screen exposure was associated with a 21% increase in the odds of developing myopia (nearsightedness). The study describes an association, not a definitive cause‑and‑effect relationship.
Blue‑light glasses and retinal health
Specialty glasses that filter blue light are marketed to many screen users. However, the AAO’s October 2023 update states that ordinary screen light has not been shown to damage human retinas or cause age‑related macular degeneration. The academy does not recommend purchasing blue‑light glasses solely to prevent eye disease or routine digital eye discomfort.
Bottom line for readers
While extensive screen use can lead to temporary irritation, the evidence does not support permanent retinal damage from everyday device use. By adopting simple habits—blinking more, taking regular breaks, adjusting lighting, and limiting evening exposure—Americans can protect their vision without abandoning the technology that powers modern life.
For anyone experiencing persistent dryness, pain, or sudden changes in vision, a prompt eye‑care professional visit remains the safest course of action.
Original reporting: WBAP News/Talk (Dallas-Fort Worth) — read the source article.
