A recent survey commissioned by eyesight experts All About Vision has revealed the impact lockdown on British workers eyesight.
During COVID, many respondents reported that they had experienced an increase in eye related problems – with 25% saying their vision had worsened and 38% having suffered with more headaches now than they did before lockdown.
It’s no surprise the survey revealed 41% of workers are now spending an average of 10+ hours a day on some form of digital device.
Workers don’t see their eye sight as priority
The findings from this survey will raise concerns with workers and businesses around the country. However, worryingly over one in four (28%) of Brits don’t consider their eye health a priority, with many not taking regular precautions to protect their eyes. 27% of those surveyed haven’t even visited an optician in over two years.
It’s no shock that workers weren’t able to spot the signs of common eye problems – nearly half (43%) weren’t able to spot the signs of floaters and 42% were unable to identify the signs of eye fatigue.
As well as this, 88% wouldn’t know if they had uveitis and 53% wouldn’t know if they were suffering from any tearing.
Speaking about the survey results, Dr Pamela Miller medical reviewer for All About Vision says: “Eye health is always on the bottom of people’s health lists, as many prioritise doctors appointments, and even dentist appointments, over check-ups with their optician.
“This is due to the fact that many of us don’t see the impact our everyday lives have on our eyes, compared to our general health when we might feel unwell or suffer from toothache.
“However, this lack of prevention has meant many people have reported increases in suffering from common eye ailments. For example, our research revealed 38% are experiencing more headaches now compared to before lockdown.
“With many of us working from home and spending more time on digital devices, 41% are now spending an average of 10+ hours a day on some form of digital device, it has never been more important to look after our eyes.
“I’m strongly advising people to read up and educate themselves on how they can look after their eyes, attend their opticians appointments and ensure to take regular breaks from digital devices. Simple changes can really help prevent
The top 10 ways that pandemic has impacted our eye health:
- 25% of people say their vision has worsened
- 38% have suffered with more headaches now than they did before lockdown
- 28% of workers don’t consider their eye health a priority, with many not taking regular precautions to protect their eyes
- 41% of workers are now spending an average of 10+ hours a day on some form of digital device
- 27% of those surveyed haven’t visited an optician in over two years.
- 41% of workers wouldn’t know if they were suffering with eye fatigue
- Nearly half (43%) are unable to spot the signs of floaters
- 42% are unable to identify the signs of eye fatigue
- 88% wouldn’t know if they had uveitis
- 53% wouldn’t know if they were suffering from tearing
If you would like to review the full results and to read about some tips and signs to look for please visit the All About Vision website.
More information about how working from home could be impacting your health.
