A recent study has revealed that half of adults feel their less-than-perfect eyesight is a barrier in both their professional and personal lives.
The survey, which involved 2,000 adults with imperfect vision, discovered that nearly 50 per cent believe their sight issues limit their participation in daily tasks such as computer work or sports. Yet, a quarter of those surveyed don’t take any steps to correct their vision, including making a visit to the opticians.
Among participants who don’t wear glasses or contacts, 59 per cent experience regular frustration due to their poor eyesight, while a quarter admit it dents their self-confidence.
Respondents identified key difficulties such as struggling to see fine details and recognising people from afar as main anxieties from their bad vision. These problems are especially acute at work, with a third stating that their eyesight hampers their ability to concentrate on detailed tasks for long periods.
Commissioned by ACUVUE, the study also shed light on the effects of prolonged screen use, with a staggering 76 per cent suffering from tired eyes frequently. This eye fatigue often leads to evening naps (37 per cent) or eye rubbing (34 per cent) as coping mechanisms.
Chirag Amin of Johnson & Johnson, the firm behind ACUVUE, observed: “Not having clear vision can really take its toll on your lifestyle. It is evident that many people in the UK are simply putting up with their discomfort or tired eyes when it comes to their vision care missing out on the moments that add to life when they could use a contact lens that is well suited for their lifestyle instead.”
A study has found a third of participants aren’t happy with how clearly they can see, and glasses wearers often feel less sure of themselves. On the flip side, contact lens wearers seem more content; 89 per cent said lenses boost their confidence, and 82 per cent enjoyed ‘crisp and clear’ sight.
The research conducted by ACUVUE is part of their “I See You Campaign,” which pushes to enhance visibility and comfort, especially amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.
Amin underlined: “Prioritising your eyesight is always important but having comfortable and clear vision can particularly have a positive impact when living in major cities where the lifestyle and the environment can be particularly challenging on the eyes.”
The study also highlighted that not being able to see properly is affecting people’s everyday lives, with reading, telly watching, shopping and visiting tourist spots all becoming more difficult.
It seems that folks living in Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Bristol are the most fed up with bad eyesight, while those in Sheffield, Glasgow, and Liverpool don’t feel it’s affecting them as much.
Turns out, it’s the youngest adults and those aged between 26 to 35 feel stuck because of poor vision, skipping out on activities because of it. However, only a slim 18 per cent of people questioned use contact lenses, whereas a whopping 69 per cent go for specs.
Wrapping up, Amin said: “We want people to really soak up the fantastic cities they live in and enjoy all of the benefits that come with a bustling urban life but do so without compromising their eyesight.”
This research drives home just how crucial it is to get your hands on the right gear for your peepers, allowing you to get the most out of life and work comfortably, without your vision holding you back.