Europe’s ocular health in 2035: increased digital strain, rising myopia – prevention becomes a key factor

Study predicts a significant rise in vision problems and ocular diseases in Europe: digitalisation, demographic change and changing lifestyles are set to drive up the demand for care significantly by 2035, making eye health a strategic challenge for the healthcare system.

Saarbrücken/Düsseldorf, 11 March 2026. Ophthalmic health in Europe is facing a profound structural transformation. A recent Delphi study by WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, commissioned by the pharmaceutical manufacturer URSAPHARM, predicts a significant rise in vision problems by 2035, particularly due to increasing screen-based work, rising myopia and an ageing population. At the same time, the experts surveyed expect strong growth in the European ophthalmology market. For the study, 57 experts from the fields of science, medicine, industry and regulation assessed a total of 14 future projections on ocular health in Europe.

“Our findings clearly show that ocular health will no longer be a marginal issue in the coming years, but will become a central component of public healthcare,” explains study author Prof. Dr Sascha L. Schmidt from WHU. “Digitalisation and demographic change reinforce each other – and place the population’s visual system under constant strain.”

Screen work as the new normal

According to the experts’ assessment, it is expected that by 2035 around 80 per cent of all jobs in Europe will require sustained visual focus on screens or similar displays. Working from home, AI-supported processes and digital workflows are further accelerating this trend. As screen use grows, so does the significance of so-called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), which includes symptoms such as dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision and concentration problems. The study suggests that CVS could be officially recognised as a disease in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) by 2035.

“Such recognition would, for the first time, enable standardised diagnoses and targeted therapies, and highlight the societal relevance of digital eye strain,” says Schmidt.

Significant rise in short-sightedness and dry eyes

The forecasts for younger generations are particularly striking: at least 60 per cent of under-30s in Europe could be short-sighted by 2035 – due to changing lifestyles such as overuse of the eyes at close range and a lack of daylight. At the same time, experts expect that more than half of the European population will regularly suffer from symptoms of dry eyes. The main causes are considered to be the continued rise in screen use at school, university, work and in private life. The increasing prevalence and use of air conditioning also represents a potential risk factor. Furthermore, environmental factors such as air quality in cities or climate change could contribute to the prevalence of dry eyes, as could the ageing population.

European ophthalmology market growing significantly

In parallel with rising medical demand, the market is also growing: the European ophthalmology market has the potential to double by 2035 compared to 2025. Key drivers of growth include new technologies in diagnostics, therapy and prevention – such as tele-ophthalmology, AI-supported screenings, smart lenses and personalised treatment concepts. However, experts also see structural limitations: a shortage of skilled workers, regulatory frameworks and costs could restrict healthcare provision.

Prevention remains largely voluntary

According to the study, binding policy measures such as legally mandated annual eye examinations or Europe-wide limits on screen time for children are considered difficult to implement. Instead, responsibility for prevention will continue to lie primarily with the individual. An increase in voluntary protective measures therefore seems realistic. According to forecasts, it is expected that more than 70 per cent of Europeans will regularly protect their eyes from UV radiation. And confidence in the influence of diet on eye health is also expected to continue to grow. Digital solutions such as mobile monitoring apps or smart contact lenses offer additional potential for early detection and prevention, but continue to face concerns regarding acceptance and data protection.

“The results underscore how important it is to approach eye health early on and holistically,” says Christian Krensel, Global Director of Marketing & Sales at URSAPHARM. “For healthcare companies, this means: We must invest even more heavily in prevention, education and innovative care solutions – so that rising demand does not automatically translate into a rising disease burden.”

Conclusion

The study makes it clear that ocular health will become a strategic issue for healthcare systems, businesses and society by 2035. However, the transition from purely reactive treatment to a genuine culture of prevention remains a key challenge.

“Whether Europe can achieve this transformation depends on the interplay of political will, technological innovation and individual health behaviour,” summarises study author Schmidt.

The study was conducted by the Center for Sports and Management (CSM) at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management on behalf of URSAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH. The scientific evaluation was carried out independently.