New partnership offers more ways to help employees reduce blue light exposure

With people logging many hours a week on digital devices for work and leisure, screen time can add up quickly. For many employers, the potential impact of this trend on employee health and well-being may be concerning. In fact, according to a study, 78% of surveyed employee¹ reported concerns about the potential health impacts of excessive screen time on their employees.

It’s hard to avoid the use of digital devices at work and at home. While the reliance on computers and smartphones is an essential part of modern life, it’s important to consider ways to help reduce the potentially harmful effects of the blue light emitted from those devices.

To help address these challenges, UnitedHealthcare Vision members will have access to savings with the Eyesafe® Eyewear member savings program, including a $25 off voucher for Eyesafe Eyewear available in non-prescription blue light glasses and reading glasses with blue light filtration. UnitedHealthcare Vision has also launched a new partnership with ZAGG. As part of the partnership, millions of UnitedHealthcare Vision members can now get a 30% discount on ZAGG screen protection with Eyesafe® blue light filtration to retrofit existing smartphones and tablets. Eligible members can learn more at myuhcvision.com.

Blue light is a short-wavelength, high-energy light that may have the potential to damage the eyes over time². Blue light is all around us naturally. In fact, the sun is the largest source. But intense blue light emitted from our device screens, especially those used so close to our eyes, is an ongoing body of research that continues to evaluate the potential health implications² that may come from too much exposure to blue light, including sleep problems and various symptoms that are collectively called digital eye strain. That’s why it’s important for employers to help team members reduce the risk of health issues associated with excessive exposure to blue light.

Encourage clean computer screens to help improve display readability. For both personal and work use, consider using blue light screen protectors on tablets and smartphones to help employees reduce their blue light exposure.

Consider reminding employees to increase the distance between their eyes and their screens. Avoid long sessions in front of screens by encouraging the 20-20-20 rule³. After 20 minutes of computer use, stop and focus on something that’s at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to give your eyes a break. Also, try to reduce blue light exposure from screens at least 1 hour before bedtime.

Squinting while looking at screens, discomfort or dizziness may all be signs of eye problems that can be identified during a comprehensive eye exam. Even if there are no warning signs, starting in their 20s, adults should get a baseline eye exam⁴. After that check, your eye care provider can suggest how often to do future exams.

UnitedHealthcare Vision members have access to a comprehensive library of vision wellness articles to help keep their eyes healthy. Members can explore topics such as computer vision syndrome, the benefits of blue light lenses and what to expect during an eye exam, and more.

By offering your employees a vision plan, your employees may be able to save on glasses with blue light filtering lenses and anti-reflective coating. This may help protect against potentially harmful blue light and glare, both of which can contribute to digital eye strain symptoms⁵. Additionally, some vision plans may offer additional benefits for families. For example, UnitedHealthcare Vision’s Children’s Eye Care Program provides enhanced benefits for children up to age 19 at no additional cost. See how expanded vision benefits help children see better.

Download a complimentary copy of the Eyesafe e-book “How to Save Your Eyes in the Digital Age: The Handbook on Blue Light, Screen Time, Health and Electronics,” which includes information about the potential near-term and long-term risks arising from excessive screen time and blue-light exposure.