Screen time is damaging our eyes—and that’s harming our ability to lead

Visionary leadership requires healthy vision, but screen time is a growing threat to our eyesight. VSP Vision Care data shows a rapid increase in eye issues among workers, climbing from 50% to 66% in just three years. This visual crisis is driven by excessive screen use, leading to decreased productivity and focus. Visual fatigue can negatively impact higher-order thinking and creativity. The body functions as an interconnected system, and vision is a crucial part of this sensory network. Treating eye health as an isolated issue, rather than organizational infrastructure, is a mistake. Organizations should foster a vision-forward culture by encouraging breaks and promoting health literacy. The 20-20-20 rule, looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, is a simple yet effective strategy. Leaders must protect and cultivate their employees' full sensory capacity to thrive in the Imagination Era. Ultimately, visionary leadership begins with ensuring the visual well-being of individuals.