Professional gamers, machine learning engineers and digital content specialists are among the workers most at risk of developing eye strain due to prolonged screen exposure, according to a February 2026 report examining the impact of digital work on vision health.
The study, conducted by eyewear brand Overnight Glasses, found that so-called “computer vision syndrome” now affects more than 60% of Americans, with certain technology-focused professions experiencing significantly higher rates of symptoms linked to extended monitor use.
Researchers analysed average daily and weekly screen time across a range of roles and assessed how frequently workers reported symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision and headaches. The findings were then weighted against the visual intensity of tasks involved, including reading dense code, monitoring multiple data streams, editing fine details and tracking fast-moving visuals.
Gamers and AI Specialists Top the Risk Rankings
Professional gamers were identified as facing the highest overall risk of digital eye strain. The report estimates that competitive players spend between 12 and 15 hours per day in front of screens, equating to as much as 105 hours per week. Between 90% and 95% are estimated to experience symptoms associated with eye strain.
Beyond the sheer volume of screen time, the study notes that competitive gaming demands sustained visual precision and rapid reaction to movement, reducing natural blinking rates and placing sustained pressure on the eyes.
Machine learning engineers ranked second. According to the findings, these professionals spend between 11 and 14 hours daily working on screens, with some approaching 100 hours per week. The nature of their work — reviewing dense code, debugging models and analysing technical documentation — requires continuous refocusing on small text and intricate detail. Up to 92% are estimated to experience vision-related symptoms.
Animators were placed third, logging between nine and 12 hours a day working at close range with pixel-level detail and colour grading. The report suggests that between 75% and 85% of animators report symptoms of eye strain due to the sustained visual concentration required.
Fintech product specialists followed closely, with similar daily screen exposure of nine to 12 hours. Unlike creative roles, these professionals typically monitor spreadsheets, analytics dashboards and multiple data feeds simultaneously. The study estimates that around eight in ten experience eye strain symptoms.
Social Media and Cyber Roles Also Affected
Influencers completed the top five highest-risk professions. While often perceived as flexible or informal roles, the report estimates that influencers spend an average of nine hours a day editing content and managing accounts across platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Around 75% to 80% are estimated to suffer from eye strain symptoms.
Social media marketing (SMM) specialists ranked sixth, with daily screen exposure ranging from eight to 12 hours and symptom rates of between 70% and 85%.
Other technology roles featured prominently in the top 10. Cybersecurity analysts, who often monitor real-time threat dashboards and data streams, average 8.5 hours of daily screen time, with an estimated 70% to 75% reporting symptoms. Blockchain developers, DevOps engineers and SEO specialists also recorded high weekly screen exposure of around 56 to 59 hours, with symptom rates ranging from 65% to 72%.
Across all roles, researchers concluded that both total exposure time and the intensity of visual tasks contribute to elevated risk levels.
An ophthalmology specialist from Overnight Glasses commented on the study:
“What we’re seeing now is an epidemic of preventable eye problems in the workplace. Tech workers have to sit in the same chair and stare at the same screen for hours straight. The human eye evolved to look at varying distances throughout the day: far into the horizon while hunting, close-up while making tools, and medium range during social interactions. Modern screen work traps the eye at one fixed distance for hours, which is like running a marathon in the same position without stretching.”
Implications for Employers
The findings are likely to raise questions for employers across the UK’s growing technology and digital sectors, where extended screen time is increasingly standard practice. With hybrid and remote working arrangements continuing in many businesses, the reliance on monitors for coding, content creation, analytics and collaboration shows little sign of slowing.
While the research focuses on US data, the underlying trends are comparable across advanced economies with high levels of digital adoption. As demand for AI development, cybersecurity, fintech innovation and online content continues to expand, workplace health policies may need to evolve in parallel.
The report highlights the importance of regular screen breaks, ergonomic adjustments and preventative eye care measures in mitigating long-term visual strain among knowledge workers.
