Do you know which professions are most in need of glasses?

Yours may be on the list

A new study conducted by Overnight Glasses has identified the professions that require corrective eyewear most frequently based on the prevalence of eye-related health complaints.

The research, which analysed the 20 most common professions, took into account several key factors contributing to eye health, including exposure to artificial and outdoor UV light and the demands of close-up work.

The findings offer an insightful look into the growing need for eye care across various industries. Some professions experience significantly higher rates of eye-related issues than others.

The study employed a composite index to rank the professions, with higher scores indicating a greater need for eyeglasses. The results revealed a clear pattern of professions that rely heavily on screen time, close-up work, or exposure to intense lighting conditions. As a result, the data highlighted the industries where corrective eyewear is essential for maintaining eye health and productivity.

Software engineers

Software engineering tops the list of professions most needing glasses, with a composite score of 89.87. Prolonged exposure to artificial light from screens is a primary cause of eye health issues in this profession, contributing to eye strain and long-term vision problems.

Over 314,570 eye-related health issues were reported among software engineers, accounting for 68.9% of all health complaints. Given the nature of the work, which involves continuous interaction with digital interfaces, it’s clear why those in the profession are particularly susceptible to vision impairment. With the growing reliance on screens for work and leisure, eye problems in software engineering are only expected to rise.

Manufacturers

Manufacturers came in second place, with a composite score of 87.58. The study found that over 40% of all health-related issues in this sector were related to eyesight, which is a significant proportion.

While manufacturers are often exposed to artificial light indoors, their need for glasses is not solely linked to close-up work. Unlike software engineers, who spend hours in front of screens, manufacturers often face more varied working conditions; however, the risk of eye strain remains a significant concern. Close-up work and prolonged exposure to artificial lighting can lead to substantial vision-related issues, including eye fatigue and discomfort.

Miners

Miners followed closely behind, securing third place with a composite score of 84.48. Like manufacturers, miners reported that nearly 40% of all health issues were related to their eyesight. However, the profession faces unique challenges that exacerbate the risk of eye problems.

Miners often work in low-light environments, where the need for precision in challenging conditions compounds vision difficulties. The lack of adequate natural light and reliance on artificial illumination makes miners particularly vulnerable to eye strain and other related health complaints.

Landscapers

Landscapers received a composite score of 79.04, placing them in fourth place. Although the profession is primarily outdoors, the risk of eye issues remains significant. Exposure to UV light from the sun, combined with close-up work such as pruning or planting, leads to eye fatigue and strain.

For landscapers, 38% of health complaints were related to eyesight. While they are less likely to be exposed to artificial light, the constant exposure to outdoor UV rays makes eye protection even more critical for those in this line of work.

Construction workers

Construction workers ranked fifth, with a composite score of 72.66. Like landscapers, construction workers are exposed to substantial amounts of outdoor UV light, which can significantly impact their eye health. Close-up work, such as reading blueprints or handling small components, can also lead to eye strain.

The risk of eye-related health issues in the construction industry is further exacerbated by the harsh outdoor environments where workers often operate. With 36.9% of health complaints related to eyesight, construction workers are at high risk for developing vision problems.

HVAC

Plumbers, heating, and air-conditioning contractors ranked sixth, with a composite score of 71.64. This profession requires much close-up work, primarily contributing to eye strain. Plumbers and HVAC technicians are particularly vulnerable to eye-related health issues.

The study revealed that 36.8% of health complaints in this profession were related to eyesight. The physical nature of the work, often involving tight spaces and precise manoeuvring, places additional strain on the eyes, leading to fatigue and discomfort.

Administrative workers

Administrative workers ranked seventh, with a composite score of 69.25. Although they do not face the same physical demands as other professions on the list, administrative workers spend long hours in front of computer screens, which can lead to digital eye strain.

The study found that 33.3% of health complaints in this sector were related to eyesight. While administrative workers are exposed to significant amounts of artificial light, their eye-related health problems are less severe than those in professions such as software engineering, where screen time is more intense.

Legal service workers

Legal service workers were ranked eighth, with a composite score of 66.37. Like administrative workers, legal professionals often spend extensive periods in front of screens or reading documents up close, leading to eye strain.

Vision-related issues accounted for around 33% of all health complaints in this profession. The combination of artificial light exposure and the physical demands of reading or writing for prolonged periods increases the risk of eye problems among legal professionals.

Production workers

Production workers came in ninth with a composite score of 62.41. Over 195,000 health issues were reported, with nearly 25% of them related to eyesight.

Artificial lighting is a common culprit in this field, leading to vision problems that affect productivity and overall well-being. While exposure to UV light may not be as prevalent in a production environment, the reliance on artificial lighting creates a significant risk for eye strain.

Pilots

Rounding out the list, pilots ranked tenth with a composite score of 57.90. As professionals who rely heavily on good vision, pilots are naturally at risk for eye-related issues due to the demands of their work.

Although the percentage of eye-related health complaints in the field is lower than other professions on the list, at 20.1%, the intensity of the work means that even minor eye strain can have serious consequences. Pilots face close-up work, exposure to artificial lighting, and the stress of needing clear vision for flight operations, all of which contribute to the need for regular eye care.

A spokesperson for Overnight Glasses said: “Modern professions increasingly demand more from our eyes, whether through extended screen time in office environments or exposure to harsh conditions in outdoor work.

“The rise in vision-related health issues across diverse industries indicates a critical need for proper eye protection and regular vision care. The intersection of digital technology with traditional work environments has created new challenges for eye health, making protective eyewear more essential than ever.”

The findings of this study highlight a growing concern for eye health across various industries. With the rise of screen-based work and the continued exposure to environmental factors that impact vision, there is a clear need for increased awareness and protection for workers in all sectors.

Image: A growing concern for eye health exists across various industries. Credit: Tiger Lily