Despite concern about losing vision as they get older, new research suggests that peoples’ eyesight in Yorkshire has deteriorated during the past year as over a quarter of people over the age of 40 have admitted to increasing the font size on their devices – with 33% of respondents confessing to removing glasses for vanity when going out or taking part in a zoom call.
With people now spending more of their day working from a computer and taking part in online video calls – Essilor looked into the true effects of the pandemic and more screen-based working, as the effects of neglected eye health is often not known for many years when a preventable condition is no longer treatable.
Dr Andy Hepworth, Professional Relations Manager from Essilor said; “The findings in this latest research are concerning – people are not looking after their eyes and overlooking the enormous value that a full eye test will bring to their vision along with several other health areas. It is a clear indication that someone’s eyesight has deteriorated if they are having to increase the font size on devices – yet people are dismissing this and are still not going for regular eye tests.”
The new research reveals that people in the Yorkshire are unconcerned about their eye health with 43% of people over the age of 40 failing to go for an eye check up within the last 3 years. Yet, despite the neglect to their eye care, 56% of people aged over 40 are worried about losing their vision as they get older.
Dr Andy Hepworth from Essilor continued; “It’s really important that people of any age, which of course includes over 40, have regular eye tests. With 70% of people in the UK wearing corrective eye wear 1– more education is needed to ensure they understand the importance of having regular eye check-ups.
“Eyesight tests don’t just alert us to how a person’s vision had changed, but it can also be an early indicator that there is an underlaying health condition – such as diabetes, high blood pressure and even cancer.”
To book an eye test at your nearest optician today visit https://www.essilor.co.uk/need-an-eye-test
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NOTES TO EDITORS
The survey was conducted among 1011 40+ year olds in the UK. The interviews were conducted online by Sapio Research in May 2021 using an email invitation and an online survey.
The survey suggests that respondents in Yorkshire’s eyesight has deteriorated over the past year, with 28% of over 40’s saying they have had to increase the font size on their computer and/or devices. When asked if they removed glasses for zoom calls or leaving the home, 33% of those questioned admitted to taking them off putting vanity above the need to see clearly. Whilst eye health has been neglected over recent years, with over 43% of over 40’s not having an eye sight checked within the past three years, the survey reveals that people are concerned over losing their vision with over 56% of over 40’s saying it was a worry to them.
About Essilor
Essilor’s history starts in 1849, with a spectacle-frame maker known as Société des Lunetiers (SL). By the end of the 19th century, Société des Lunetiers was exporting its products all over the world. Experiencing breakthrough innovations throughout its beginnings, it was Bernard Maitenaz, an engineer who joined SL in 1948, who revolutionised the company.
Creating the world’s first varifocal lens in 1959, Maitenaz had developed what became the most important innovation in eyewear since the invention of bifocals in the 18th century. This lens became known as Varilux. Shortly after, in 1962, SL rebranded to Essel.
In 1972, Essel and Silor, two French optical companies, joined forces and began to sell to the market. Specialising in plastic lenses, and thanks to its unique Varilux product, Essilor sparked a new generation of lenses.
https://www.essilor.com/en/
