Nations Eyesight in Decline


Nations Eyesight in DeclineIt seems that the British public are taking their eye health for granted. Opticians recommend regular checkups to make sure our eyes are functioning as best as possible. Yet many people fail to attend until visual problems appear. Symptoms reported by some of the population include problems reading the paper or viewing objects that are close by, often known as being ‘long sighted’. The opposite of this, ‘short sighted’, is the inability to see objects at a distance. Without the correct spectacles or contact lenses, patients may experience headaches, tiredness and sickness. Many of these problems may be prevented by regular eye tests.

Transitions ® Optical, a manufacturer of tinted spectacles and sunglasses, commissioned an independent survey to determine the use of opticians by the general public. This study was the fourth undertaken in as many years by the company and encompassed the views and habits of 1000 people in the UK. Shockingly the results confirmed that only two fifths of the public visit an optician every two years, the current recommended time scale. When added to the information that over three quarters of the public didn’t realise eye exams were important in the absence of symptoms, we see a very poor picture of the nations eye health. Interestingly, when asked which of the five senses was most valued, vision was the highest response, at over 93%.

A small part of the survey was used to collect information about eye damage and how it could occur. The majority of us go on holiday every year, often to areas that boast high levels of sunshine. One of the greatest causes of eye damage is exposure to ultraviolet or UV rays in sunlight, yet less than 10% of the people surveyed were aware of this. This is why it is important to always wear some form of eye protection such as tinted glasses, as they can help to prevent many common eye problems. It is also important to note that even in the UK on overcast days, these UV rays are still present and can still damage our eyes.

The main way opticians recommend to protect ourselves is to use good quality tinted glasses that change from see through when inside and at night, to dark when it is sunny. They are able to block out nearly 100% of the UV rays.

With the advent of the ‘good old British summer’, it is vital that as much attention is paid to protecting our eyes as is to protecting our skin. Hopefully after-reading this article, over 93% of you will agree.

18th July 2009

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