‘Put your devices down’ – Swansea opticians issue call to young patients during National Eye Health Week
Charles Richards of Bater & Stout Opticians in Woodfield Street, Morriston, has joined colleagues across the UK in backing National Eye Health Week, which runs from 22–28 September.
The campaign highlights the importance of regular eye exams and simple lifestyle changes that can help prevent avoidable sight loss. Research shows that half of all sight loss is preventable.
Mr Richards said too much time on digital devices is already having an impact on young patients:
“As part of this year’s National Eye Health Week we’re advocating a screen amnesty at 8:20pm (20:20) – a perfect opportunity for parents to get their children to put their screens down and give their eyes a rest before bedtime.
Research has shown that spending too long on digital devices can have an adverse impact on eye health. We want to keep our young patients seeing better for longer, so reducing screen time can really help with that.”
On average, people in the UK spend around 35 hours a week staring at a computer screen, with 90 per cent reporting symptoms of screen fatigue such as tired or irritated eyes, blurred vision, headaches and poor colour perception.
Opticians recommend the 20‑20‑20 rule to reduce eye strain: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Organisers of National Eye Health Week are also encouraging people to eat a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables and nuts, quit smoking, exercise regularly and have an eye exam at least once every two years.
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