Survey on Eye Health of Primary Industry Workers: One in Three Report Work Impairment Due to Eye Discomfort, Over 40% Continue Working Despite Symptoms

Intermestic Co., Ltd., the company operating the eyewear brand 'Zoff,' conducted a nationwide survey titled 'Survey on the Actual State of Eye Health Among Primary Industry Workers' targeting 500 primary industry workers from June 1 to June 2, 2026.

Workers in primary industries such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and livestock farming often work in environments that strain the eyes—prolonged outdoor work, intense sunlight, and dust—yet eye health issues in these sectors have not been sufficiently studied.

This survey revealed that one in three primary industry workers experience work-related difficulties due to eye discomfort, while over 40% have continued working or ignored symptoms despite discomfort. Additionally, less than 20% feel that adequate eye health measures are in place, while approximately 80% believe future initiatives are necessary, highlighting both the reality of eye health challenges and the demand for support in primary industries.

<Survey Summary>

Survey Method: Online survey

Participants: 500 primary industry workers aged 18 and over residing across Japan (agriculture, fisheries, forestry, livestock, etc.)

Survey Period: June 1 (Mon) to June 2 (Tue), 2026

Nearly half of primary industry workers report 'eye fatigue or heaviness'

Over 40% also report 'blurred vision' and 'dry eyes'

When asked about eye discomfort experienced during work, 48.2% of the 500 respondents reported 'eye fatigue or heaviness,' the highest rate. This was followed by 42.2% reporting 'blurred vision or haziness' and 42.0% reporting 'eye irritation or dryness,' both exceeding 40%. Additionally, 36.2% reported experiencing 'intense glare.'

The results indicate that eye discomfort among primary industry workers extends beyond simple fatigue, encompassing issues such as blurred vision, dryness, and glare.

Q. During your daily work, do you experience any of the following 'eye discomforts'? Please answer for each.

One in three workers report work impairment due to eye discomfort

Over 40% have continued working despite discomfort

When asked how much eye discomfort affects their actual work, 33.3% of primary industry workers responded that it 'impairs their work or tasks.' Regarding their response when experiencing eye discomfort, 41.8% answered that they 'continued working or ignored the discomfort.'

These results reveal that eye discomfort among primary industry workers is not merely a temporary sensation but can hinder work performance, while many do not take immediate action despite noticing symptoms.

Q. Do you feel that eye discomfort 'impairs your work or tasks'?

Q. Have you ever continued working or ignored discomfort when experiencing eye discomfort?

Less than 40% take eye health measures during work

Sunglass usage remains at 33.0%; the top reason for non-use is 'reduced visibility or darkened vision'

When asked whether they take any measures to protect their eye health during work, only 38.2% reported doing so. Regarding sunglass usage during work, 9.2% said they 'always wear them,' and 23.8% said they 'sometimes wear them,' resulting in a total of 33.0% wearing sunglasses during work. Furthermore, when asked why they do not wear or rarely wear sunglasses, 32.2% cited 'reduced visibility or darkened vision' as the main reason.

These results indicate that while eye discomfort and glare are prevalent among primary industry workers, eye health measures and sunglass usage have not yet been widely adopted. In particular, concerns about darkened or impaired vision appear to be a barrier to sunglass use.

Q. During work, do you take any measures to protect your eye health?

Q. Do you wear sunglasses during work?

Q. Please select all applicable reasons for not wearing or rarely wearing sunglasses.

Less than 30% feel they have sufficient information or knowledge about eye health

Meanwhile, nearly 80% believe 'measures to protect eye health during work are necessary'

When asked whether they feel they have sufficient information or knowledge about eye health, only 28.4% answered 'yes.'

Additionally, when asked whether they believe adequate eye health measures are in place for primary industry workers, only 19.0% answered 'fully implemented' or 'somewhat implemented,' remaining below 20%. In contrast, when asked whether future initiatives to protect eye health during work are necessary, 78.2% answered 'necessary.' Furthermore, 66.2% expressed willingness to use corporate or organizational eye health support (e.g., awareness campaigns, information, product provision).

These results indicate that while awareness and preventive measures regarding eye health among primary industry workers remain insufficient, there is strong demand for workplace eye protection initiatives and support from companies and organizations.

Q. Do you feel you have sufficient information or knowledge about eye health?

Q. Do you believe eye health measures for primary industry workers are adequately implemented?

Q. Do you believe future initiatives to protect eye health during work are necessary?

Q. Would you use corporate or organizational eye health support (awareness, information, product provision, etc.) if available?

Summary

This survey revealed that 48.2% of primary industry workers report 'eye fatigue or heaviness' during work, with widespread issues including 'blurred vision,' 'dry eyes,' and 'intense glare.' Additionally, one in three workers experience work impairment due to eye discomfort, while over 40% have continued working despite symptoms.

Meanwhile, only 38.2% take eye health measures during work, and only 28.4% feel they have sufficient knowledge about eye health. Furthermore, only 19.0% believe adequate eye health measures are in place, indicating ongoing challenges in on-site eye health protection.

On the other hand, 78.2% believe 'measures to protect eye health during work are necessary,' and 66.2% expressed interest in using corporate or organizational eye health support. These results highlight the importance of information dissemination and support initiatives to protect the eyes of primary industry workers, given that eye discomfort can impact work performance.

Future Initiatives

Moving forward, as part of the 'For Eyes, For the Future Project'—aimed at spreading correct knowledge about eye health and protective behaviors—we will explore concrete awareness and support initiatives, such as providing sunglasses to primary industry workers and offering outreach educational sessions on eye health.