Arizona Ranks No. 1 in U.S. for Screen-Related Vision Risk

Arizona Ranks No. 1 in U.S. for Screen-Related Vision Risk, New Index Finds
Barnet Dulaney Perkins urges Arizonans to take digital eye strain seriously as screen exposure outpaces the national average

PHOENIX, Ariz., March 26, 2026 — Arizonans know how to protect their eyes outdoors. Sunglasses, UV awareness, and glare protection are part of daily life in a state known for intense sun exposure. But new data suggests a growing vision threat may be coming from inside the home and office, where screens now dominate much of the day. 

A new Screen Time and Vision Health Index from Compare the Market Australia ranked Arizona No. 1 in the United States for screen-related vision risk. The report found that Arizona residents average 8 hours and 50 minutes of daily device use, the highest in the nation. It also recorded 434.7 screen-related symptom searches per 100,000 people and 819.7 corrective vision searches per 100,000 people, placing Arizona at the top of the index with a score of 70.69. 

The report’s U.S. index is based on three factors: average daily screen time, screen-related symptom searches, and corrective vision searches. Compare the Market notes that the state rankings reflect search behavior and awareness, not diagnosed eye disease, but the numbers still point to unusually high digital exposure and strong interest in relief and vision correction in Arizona. 

For Arizona eye care providers, that pattern is not surprising. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says digital eye strain can affect people of all ages and may cause blurry vision, tired or achy eyes, dryness, and headaches after extended screen use. The American Optometric Association lists similar symptoms, including eyestrain, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck or shoulder pain. 

Arizona’s lead in the index also stands out because it far exceeds the report’s cited U.S. average of 6 hours and 40 minutes of daily screen time. That means Arizona residents spend more than two extra hours per day on screens compared with the national benchmark used in the study. 

Compare the Market ranked Washington second and New York third. Washington posted 8 hours and 17 minutes of daily screen time, while New York stood out for especially high search interest, with 650.8 symptom-related searches and 1,164.1 corrective vision searches per 100,000 people. 

Barnet Dulaney Perkins encourages Arizonans who spend long hours on screens to pay attention to persistent symptoms such as dryness, blur, headaches, or eye fatigue, and to schedule a comprehensive eye exam if those issues do not improve. Public guidance from both ophthalmology and optometry organizations also recommends practical habits, such as taking regular screen breaks, blinking more often, reducing glare, and adjusting device settings to improve viewing comfort. 

The full index and national rankings are available from Compare the Market Australia.