Save YOUR SIGHT!

If things are looking a bit fuzzier than usual, it might be time to book your next eye test

- AMBER BRAMBLE

There’s an old saying that change is the only constant, and unfortunately, that can also include our eyesight. So it may be possible that things are looking a bit less clear than they used to – especially if you’ve spent the last few years glued to your phone.

Optometrist Greeshma Patel from Specsavers says she’s seen a rise in some conditions, which have been linked to the amount of time we look at screens. “Myopia is on the increase in children and many adults have put up with symptoms of digital eyestrain while spending more time on screens,” she explains.

Making matters worse, a lot of us have pressed pause on our regular eye checks (because, well, the pandemic), leading to potential delays in treating conditions that require early intervention. “People with diabetes, glaucoma and other known eye conditions may have had a delay to their eye treatment,” Patel says.

DO I HAVE EYESTRAIN? 

Changes in eyesight can mean that you need glasses, but it can also be a sign your eyes need a break from the computer (and the phone, tablet, TV… you get the picture).

Eyestrain can affect more than just your vision. “Symptoms of digital eyestrain, which can occur after prolonged use of screens, range from difficulty in focusing at close or far objects, headaches, itchy or dry eyes, redness of eyes or increased light sensitivity,” Patel says.