A survey commissioned by Specsavers found patients were reassessing their health priorities in January because of the cost-of-living crisis.
Research identified 73% of the 2,000 UK adults surveyed were concerned about finances more than usual this January and 34% were unsure if they could afford to prioritise their health and wellbeing.
While 72% said looking after health and wellbeing was a priority, 11% said it was an impossible reality due to rising inflation and the post-Christmas pinch.
Specsavers found that 12% who wore vision correction said they would have to cut back on eye care and only 19% intended to spend money on eye care this year. Additionally, 18% of spectacles wearers and 24% of contact lenses wearers said they would put off changing their eyewear or contact lenses even if their prescription changed.
Giles Edmonds, clinical services director at Specsavers, said: ‘We know this is a difficult time for many but wearing the wrong prescription or broken lenses can impact your eyes, with symptoms including eye strain and headaches. More worryingly, it can also contribute to trips and falls – one of the biggest causes of hospital visits for older people.’