New Delhi: Long hours spent in front of digital screens are contributing to a growing burden of vision problems among India’s working population, with a new report revealing that many employees continue to overlook eye health despite developing vision impairments and other eye-related conditions.

A study by HCL Healthcare, which analysed the eye health of 34,585 employees, found that a significant number of working professionals either require corrective vision or are living with undiagnosed eye conditions that need medical attention.

Many employees need vision correction

According to the report, only 15,401 employees examined had normal vision.

Among the remaining participants:

  • 3,166 employees were advised to begin using corrective glasses.
  • 16,018 were recommended to continue using their existing prescription spectacles.
  • 2,006 employees were referred to hospitals for further evaluation because their vision did not improve to standard levels despite corrective measures.

The findings indicate that a large proportion of employees are working with unaddressed vision issues that could affect both their productivity and long-term eye health.

Serious eye conditions also detected

The study also identified several eye diseases requiring specialist attention.

Among the employees screened:

  • 33,048 had normal retinal findings.
  • 47 cases of diabetic retinopathy were detected.
  • 1,594 employees were identified as glaucoma suspects.
  • 33 cases of cataract were found.
  • 1,052 employees showed other retinal abnormalities requiring further medical evaluation.

The report also revealed that eight per cent of employees had never undergone an eye examination.

Among those receiving their first-ever eye check-up, 16 per cent were diagnosed with vision impairment and advised to use corrective glasses.

Experts urge early detection

Reviewing the findings, Dr Rohit Shetty, Vice Chairman and Head of Cornea and Refractive Surgery at Narayana Nethralaya, described the results as concerning.

He noted that the detection of diabetic retinopathy among individuals aged 40 to 45 years may indicate damage to other vital organs, including the kidneys, liver and lungs, suggesting broader systemic health issues.

According to specialists, regular eye examinations can help detect not only vision problems but also underlying conditions such as diabetes and glaucoma at an early stage.

Screen time causing digital eye strain

Doctors say prolonged exposure to digital screens can lead to a range of symptoms commonly associated with digital eye strain.

These include:

  • Dry eyes
  • Eye fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Headaches
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Sleep disturbances

Without timely treatment, these symptoms can worsen and affect overall quality of life and workplace performance.

Poor vision linked to cognitive decline

Eye specialists also warn that untreated vision problems may have consequences beyond eyesight.

Dr Rupak B. Chaudhary, an ophthalmologist at the Centre for Sight, referred to a 2024 study conducted by researchers at the LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, which found that older adults with vision loss were four times more likely to experience cognitive impairment than those with healthy vision.

Experts say declining eyesight may affect brain health through:

  • Reduced sensory input to the brain.
  • Lower participation in mentally stimulating activities such as reading.
  • Increased social isolation due to mobility concerns.
  • Greater cognitive effort required to interpret poor visual information, leaving fewer mental resources available for memory and attention.

Economic impact of vision impairment

The report also highlights the economic cost of untreated vision problems.

A 2022 study published in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology estimated that vision impairment could result in productivity losses worth ₹646 billion in India.

Another report published in 2021 suggested that preventable blindness could reduce the likelihood of employment by 30 per cent and lower workplace productivity by 20 per cent.

Employers urged to promote eye health

Health experts recommend that organisations incorporate regular eye screening programmes into workplace wellness initiatives.

Early diagnosis, timely treatment and greater awareness about eye health can help improve employee well-being, reduce productivity losses and identify serious health conditions before they progress.

With digital devices becoming an integral part of modern workplaces, specialists say routine eye examinations and healthy screen-use practices are increasingly important for protecting both vision and overall health.