A new report found a dependence on screens developed during lockdown has affected the nation’s vision as well as postponed appointments and missed sight tests.
Optegra Eye Health Care’s Vision of Britain report explored the state of the nation’s eye health and found 44% of 2,000 adults surveyed were concerned about their eyesight.
Amir Hamid, medical director and ophthalmic surgeon at Optegra, said: ‘The pandemic has had a shocking impact on our eyes, with nearly a fifth (17%) saying that poor vision is now stopping them living life to the full.’
Optegra treated high volumes of patients with eye strain, increased prescriptions and white cataract, which Hamid noted was something typically only seen frequently in developing countries.
Survey respondents said they had experienced eye strain from too much time on screens (19%), while 17% of 25-34 year olds said their eyesight was worse because of technology use and 32% used technology more than usual since the pandemic started.
Survey findings also revealed that 31% has not had a sight test despite being aware their sight had deteriorated during lockdown and 38% of respondents aged over 55 waited months for NHS cataract surgery.
Hamid encouraged people to book a sight test with their local optical practice. ‘With the dramatic increase in hours online as our research exposes, it is vital that eye health is checked, and individuals are supported to achieve their optimum vision,’ he said.
