The Vision Council report finds many adults skip care for eye strain

A new report from The Vision Council, titled ‘Focused inSights 2026: Dry Eye and Digital Eye Strain’, reveals that many adults experiencing eye discomfort do not seek professional medical advice. Based on a survey of 1,089 U.S. adults, the study found that 78% of respondents experienced eye fatigue after screen use within the previous three months. Despite these symptoms, 39% of those experiencing issues have never discussed them with a healthcare professional.

Common symptoms of dry eye and digital eye strain include burning sensations, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and a gritty feeling. Causes range from environmental factors like wind and smoke to prolonged screen time and certain medications. Approximately 16 million Americans suffer from dry eyes and redness, with 75% of those individuals reporting that the discomfort is extremely bothersome.

The research highlights a gap in awareness, noting that 63% of respondents were unfamiliar with digital eye strain and 50% were unfamiliar with dry eye disease. Eye doctors remain the most trusted source of information, with 40% of respondents citing them as their primary source for managing symptoms.