Software engineers top the list of professions most in need of eyeglasses, according to a new study that analyzed vision-related health issues across common occupations.
The research, conducted by Overnight Glasses, evaluated 20 common professions based on eye-related health complaints, exposure to artificial and UV light, and requirements for close-up work. Each occupation received a composite score, with higher numbers indicating greater need for corrective eyewear.
With a score of 89.87, software engineers ranked first due to their constant exposure to screens and artificial light. The study found that eye-related issues accounted for an alarming 68.9% of all health complaints in this field, with over 314,000 reported vision problems.
Manufacturers came in second place with a score of 87.58, where 40.7% of all health issues were related to eyesight. Miners followed closely in third position (84.48), with outdoor workers including landscapers (79.04) and construction workers (72.66) rounding out the top five.
Other high-risk professions included plumbers and HVAC contractors (71.64), administrative workers (69.25), legal professionals (66.37), production workers (62.41), and pilots (57.90).
The research highlighted how different working environments create unique risk factors. While office workers primarily face issues from artificial light and screen time, outdoor professions like landscaping and construction encounter dangers from both UV exposure and precise close-up work.
“Modern professions increasingly demand more from our eyes, whether it’s through extended screen time in office environments or exposure to harsh conditions in outdoor work,” a spokesperson from Overnight Glasses said. “The intersection of digital technology with traditional work environments has created new challenges for eye health, making protective eyewear more essential than ever.”
The study points to a growing need for proper eye protection and regular vision care across diverse industries, particularly as digital technology becomes increasingly integrated into all types of workplaces.
For miners, who ranked third, working in low-light environments was identified as a significant factor that can worsen existing vision problems. Meanwhile, pilots, who require exceptional vision for their work, still reported vision-related issues in 20.1% of health complaints.
The full research findings, which examined additional professions beyond the top ten, are available on the Overnight Glasses website.
