Local opticians reports eye strain on the rise in lockdown

Eye strain and other sight-related issues have increased significantly since the first pandemic lockdown as new research finds 42 per cent of people have noticed their sight deteriorate since March.
Eye strain and other issues have been on the increase in the past year as people spend more time than ever staring at screensEye strain and other issues have been on the increase in the past year as people spend more time than ever staring at screens
Eye strain and other issues have been on the increase in the past year as people spend more time than ever staring at screens

This is almost double the number of people noticing sight deterioration during the first lockdown (22 per cent), as reported by the College of Optometrists.

Yet, a new study by Specsavers shows nearly half (44 per cent) of those suffering any deterioration are yet to address the issue and see an optician.

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This supports a recent YouGov survey by the charity Fight for Sight, which found more people experiencing headaches and migraines, as well as difficulty reading and poorer night vision.

Rubena Kerr, store director at Specsavers Lanark, says: ‘It’s important that anyone noticing a change in their vision gets it seen to right away. While usually this is down to a change in prescription or from our eyes feeling tired, in other cases it can be something more serious.

“Our stores remain open for eye and hearing tests, and those unable to leave home unaccompanied can request a home visit from Specsavers or use our RemoteCare video and phone consultation service instead.

“For non-urgent enquires there is our Ask The Expert Facebook page, which has seen a surge in people looking for help particularly around headaches and migraines, sore, tired eyes and eye twitches.”

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Specsavers’ research suggest conditions associated with eye strain are likely to be augmented by screen use.

Sixty perv ent of people said they spent five hours or more looking at screens, including laptops, monitors, phones and TV during the weekday last year, with this figure only dropping by per cent during the weekend.

Rubena added: “Our eyes are not designed to be fixed on a single object for a long period of time.

"When we focus on our screens, especially smaller format laptops, tablets or smart devices, eyes become stressed and strained.

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"They may feel uncomfortable, sore, tired and as if they are itching or burning. You may also be experiencing from blurred vision and headaches too.”

For more information or to request an appointment visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/lanark​​​​​​​.

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