Why it's so important to spend time outside this summer
Our eyes are ten times more sensitive to UV than our skin and up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can go through clouds.
So, it is important to wear sunglasses as often as you can outside, making sure sunglasses are CE-marked and children’s sunglasses are UV-rated.
Leighton’s Opticians can guide you through the combination of UV protection, style, and lens technology to create your perfect pair of sunglasses.
MyLeightons Care Plans are the easy way to look after your eyes and hearing for life and enjoy the highest quality care, peace of mind, and convenience along with a range of benefits for the whole family. From just £12 a month.
Sally Owen, Branch Manager at Leightons Cobham for 20 years, explains why our eye health may have worsened since the pandemic and how we can reduce the risks.
What kind of eye health issues have you seen increasing since the pandemic started?
“We have seen more of our young patients displaying signs of early-onset myopia (short-sightedness) and an acceleration in existing myopia.
When schools reopened in March, we observed an influx of children who were struggling to see the board or teachers had noticed them squinting, which can be an indication of myopia.
We have also seen a sharp rise in patients suffering from digital eye strain (DES).
Common symptoms of DES include:
- Headaches
- Dry eyes
- Redness in the eyes
- Double vision
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Blurred vision
Thinking about getting your eyes checked? Book an appointment at Leightons.
Why do you think these eye health issues may be linked to the pandemic?
“Since the pandemic began, many of our patients have found their lifestyles changing radically, spending more time inside working, schooling, and socialising on screens. Looking at a screen for prolonged periods causes us to blink less, meaning our eyes dry out faster. Using a screen also means our eyes do not change focus for long periods of time, leading to fatigue and ultimately DES.
Spending insufficient time outdoors is a risk factor for myopia and there is now mounting evidence to indicate that increased screen time is a further risk factor for the development and progression of myopia.
A 2021 Fight for Sight UK study indicates that our findings reflect a problem experienced on a national scale, with one in three respondents reporting deteriorating eyesight due to increased screen time during the pandemic.
Mask-associated dry eyes (MADE) has also become a rapidly growing problem since the legal requirement to wear masks was introduced.
We also know there has been concern surrounding visiting opticians during the pandemic, which may have exacerbated these conditions.”
What steps can readers take to combat these issues?
“We would encourage everyone to spend as much time as possible outside and try to make this an ongoing lifestyle change. If using screens, we would recommend the following preventative measures:
- Adjust the brightness of your screen and consider getting an anti-glare screen.
- Place your monitor at least 20 inches from your eyes and at a comfortable height to maintain good posture.
- Work with optimal lighting and try to avoid working under overhead fluorescent lights.
- If you wear contact lenses, extended periods spent staring at your screen can dry them out. Talk to your optician about getting lenses that suit your work style and ask about a suitable lens lubricant.
- Take frequent screen breaks and remember to blink regularly.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Remember the 20-20-20 rule: for every 20 minutes of screen time, take a 20-second break and look at something around 20-feet away.
When wearing masks, it is important to ensure your mask fits well, limit time spent in air-conditioned environments and try to minimise time spent on screens wearing a mask”.
Why is it so important to have routine eye tests?
“Eye health and vision tend to change slowly and early changes can go unnoticed. In addition to taking preventive measures, you should also ensure that your eyes are in good health.
The best way to determine your eye health and detect any early signs of myopia or possible underlying conditions is to go for regular eye examinations, especially if you have any concerns. Leightons Cobham is open by appointment only, with the safety of our patients and practice teams our top priority”.
As restrictions change, all our practices continue to operate on an “appointment only” basis.
We are a Primary Healthcare provider and must remain in line with NHS regulations, so all our existing safety measures remain in place.
These include regular sanitising of the practice, all staff wearing full PPE and all patients are expected to wear a face covering for the duration of their visit.
We recognise that this may not be the case elsewhere, but we must prioritise safety and ensure the best protection for all our patients and staff.
If you are exempt, then please let us know ahead of your appointment so that we can make suitable arrangements to look after you.
Rest assured, we look forward to the day when we can smile at one another with more than just our eyes!
As restrictions ease and we start to unlock, getting out and about this summer is vital for families, says leading independent optician and hearing care provider, Leightons Cobham, who has been part of the Cobham community for over forty years.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned or have any other concerns get in touch with Leightons Cobham on 0800 40 20 20. Visit their new larger store; 1-7 Holly Parade KT11 3EE.
