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#NationalEyeHealthWeek reminds us how precious vision is. As someone who is blind, I know the impact sight loss has. Prevention and early checks can change lives – please care for your eyes. 💜
Editor‘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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Collabora OfficeIt's National Eye Health Week – Your eyes deserve a break! 💜
Did you know that just two hours in front of a screen can put you at risk of digital eye strain? Since screen time is an unavoidable part of daily life for most of us, here are three easy ways to protect your eyes while using the computer!
Swipe through! ➡️
This comes as statistics by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) show that there are 1,140 people in Swansea living with sight loss, and by 2032 the number of people living with sight loss in Swansea will rise to 9,600.
Among the conditions that can cause sight loss are age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and presbyopia.
Staff members at the Swansea opticians, which has recently undergone a £109,000 renovation, have recently undergone training to enhance their knowledge of the signs and symptoms of presbyopia and the solutions available, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.
The RNIB figures also show that one in five people will experience sight loss in their lifetime. Every day 250 people start to lose their sight.
Chris Jones, retail director at Specsavers Swansea says:
‘Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of common eye conditions are key to reducing the number of people suffering sight loss unnecessarily.
‘A large percentage of sight loss could be avoided if people have their eyes checked regularly.
‘Yet despite sight being the sense that most people are concerned about losing, many people don’t actually have their eyes checked every two years.
‘Regular eye-health checks are important in preventing sight loss. They are essential for everyone, even if you think your eyes are fine, because damage can be done before you notice it.
‘For example, an eye test can spot glaucoma years before people notice a change in their vision, and it can be treated if found soon enough.
‘In addition to eye health, a sight test can detect other health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, risk of stroke and heart disease.
‘So in addition to not smoking, eating a healthy diet and staying active, I would urge everyone to have an eye test every two years.’
Chris and his team invite the local community to visit the store, based on 394-396 The Kingsway, this week to learn more about National Eye Health Week and to celebrate the store’s relaunch following its recent investment.
Specsavers Swansea is open seven days a week. To find out more information about Specsavers in Swansea, request an appointment or browse the online store, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/swansea.
[Lead image: Specsavers Swansea]
