National Eye Health Week

Eye strain

Extended use of digital devices such as smartphones and electronic reading devices means eye strain is more prevalent than ever in UK adults.

New research released today has found that 44% of UK adults over 35 experience eye strain at least once a week but over half (52%) do nothing to alleviate the effects.

In addition, the research by Magnivision, which has been released during National Eye Health Week, found that 1 in 10 Brits over 35 say that staring at their digital devices every day causes them to experience the effects of eye strain.

The symptoms of eye strain can be caused by:[1]

Extended use of digital devices: TVs computers, and smartphones.

Exposure to bright light/glare.

Long periods of activities that demand focus and concentration.

Straining to see in very dim light.

Extended use of digital devices such as smartphones and electronic reading devices along with long periods of time spent in front of a computer (desktops, laptops and tablets) focusing on bright screens has led to the pervasiveness of digital eye fatigue. We normally blink 15 times a minute but staring at digital screens slows our blinking down from half to a third of the normal frequency^[2], resulting in scratchy dry and itchy eyes.

The growing phenomenon of digital eye fatigue or digital eye strain, technically referred to as computer vision syndrome^[3] which first began being diagnosed after the use of personal computers became more common.

The common eye condition ‘Presbyopia’ which is long-sightedness or difficulty with close up vision caused by the loss of elasticity of the lens of the eye occurring typically in middle and old age – it effects an estimated two billion people worldwide.[4] Regular eye checks and the right prescription for your reading glasses can help alleviate the effects of eye strain that may stem from undiagnosed presbyopia.

Other common effects of eye strain including tired eyes, blurred vision, frequent headaches and pain in neck, shoulders or back.

Consultant Eye Surgeon Alex Shortt said: “As a consultant eye surgeon it astonishes me how people fail to look after their eye health. Regular eye tests are a must, especially after the age of 30. This is because the demands of modern life, particularly the use of computers and smartphones place a significant strain on the eyes. “I frequently see patients with computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eye strain, who require treatment to alleviate their symptoms”

Whilst amongst those surveyed who have taken action to alleviate the effects of eye strain, 44% have bought reading glasses.

[1] https://coopervision.co.uk/digital-eye-fatigue

[2] Source: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/computer-usage

Other sources:

The Vision Council: https://www.thevisioncouncil.org/content/digital-eye-strain

Consumer Survey for Magnivision by Opinion Matters, July 2017

[3] https://www.college-optometrists.org/oip-resource/computer-vision-syndrome–a-k-a–digital-eye-strain.html

[4] Essilor Investor Materials and 2013 Infomarche (45+)

Wet AMD

Wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the UK and mainly affects the over 65s. The number of people at risk of developing wet AMD is expected to grow significantly as the population ages.

A new campaign, supported by Leicester’s Hospitals and Leicestershire sight loss charity , Vista aims to raise awareness of wet AMD and its signs and symptoms among older people in the Leicester area, encouraging those over 65 to see their optician if they have any concerns.

The campaign, running during National Eye Health Week (NEHW), will ask ‘Is one eye covering up the problem?’ to highligh how wet AMD can affect one or both eyes and sometimes the healthier eye can compensate for any loss of sight.People at risk are encouraged to check their vision in both eyes by covering up one eye and looking straight ahead.

Symptoms of wet AMD include; difficulty in reading small print even with reading glasses; straight lines appearing wavy or distorted; or blurred vision. It affects the part of the eye which sees fine detail (central vision), so can make everyday tasks such as driving, cooking, reading and seeing faces very difficult. The risk of developing the disease increases with age, having a family history of wet AMD and smoking.

Theo Empeslidis, a consultant ophthalmologist based at Leicester Royal Infirmary, explains the importance of this campaign: “Wet AMD is an aggressive form of macular degeneration and, if left untreated, can cause severe vision loss within weeks. This campaign is all about asking people over the age of 65 to cover up one eye at a time and look straight ahead and check their sight.

“Difficulties reading or blurred vision are not necessarily signs of old age. If you have any concerns, make an appointment with an optician and ask about macular degeneration. The earlier we’re able to diagnose and treat wet AMD, the more sight we’re likely to save.” The new research also shows only 14 per cent of people who were aware of wet AMD were able to correctly identify at least one sign or symptom of the condition.

Paul Bott, Chief Executive of Vista adds: “These results highlight the worrying fact that the majority of people in Leicestershire who are at high risk of developing wet AMD have never heard of the disease and can’t identify the main signs and symptoms.

“Wet AMD is the biggest cause of preventable sight loss in this country and, as we get older, our risk of developing the condition increases greatly. These days we’re all living longer so it’s in everybody’s interests to take five minutes to find out a bit more about this campaign because it could make all the difference to saving your sight. Pick up a leaflet, call our helpline or speak to your optician if you have any concerns.”

Further information about wet AMD is available at www.vistablind.org.uk

Patient Talk

Patient Talk

National Eye Health Week

44% of us over 35 experience eye strain at least once a week, yet over half surveyed do nothing to alleviate the effects