ARE MORE PEOPLE WEARING GLASSES?

In recent years there has been a significant surge in the number of people across the globe wearing glasses or contact lenses, indicating the rise in visual problems and the growing need for visual correction. This may be due to a number of factors, including the higher prevalence of myopia in young children, increased screen time, lifestyle changes, improvement in diagnosis, aging populations worldwide, and the awareness of health conditions.

SHORTSIGHTEDNESS BECOMING MORE COMMON

Research has shown that just two decades ago optometrists were seeing far fewer children in their practices than they are today. As well as the number of young patients increasing, the age at which they are being seen is getting younger and younger, with more 4 to 12-year-olds than before needing glasses. Some estimates of children with myopia are as high as 40- 45%. Not only is myopia occurring more frequently, but it seems to be deteriorating faster and faster.

Aside from the need to wear glasses or contact lenses to see clearly, myopia has additional risks later in life, including increased risk of retinal tear or detachment, premature cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Once a child reaches adulthood, progression of myopia naturally stops in most people. Addressing this issue of myopia while they are young and growing is important since this is the time when an intervention can be most successful.

GENETIC VS. ENVIRONMENT

It has generally been believed that genetics plays a role in myopia, but with myopia rising so rapidly and some children needing glasses even when no one else in the family needs them, genetics alone cannot explain this.

It seems evident that much of the increase is due to a combination of factors, including hereditary, environmental and lifestyle factors.

SCREEN TIME

Many of us spend hours in front of screens. Whether for work or leisure, homework or entertainment, screens have become an integral part of modern life for adults and children alike. Prolonged screen time places an unnatural strain on the eyes and can exacerbate vision issues over time.

Some people argue that children have been reading books for centuries and this has not had a detrimental effect on their vision. However, more time is generally spent on screens than on books, books are not held as close to the face, and the image on the screen compared with the print on a page, all place a higher demand on the eyes.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

While screens are an easy culprit, the impact of environmental factors and changes in behaviour cannot be overlooked.

Studies have found that exposure to the full spectrum of natural light promotes good development of vision. Coupled with this is the constant change of focus required in outdoor activities, which further enhances visual development.

Although the reasons are not yet clearly understood, experts believe that natural sunlight appears to stabilise vision regardless of whether a person uses screens or not.

Children spending more time indoors and less time outdoors may be associated with earlier development and faster progression of myopia. Spending time outdoors can prevent myopia from becoming a problem and can slow the progression once it has occurred.

IMPROVEMENT IN DIAGNOSIS

With the innovations and advances in diagnostic methods, eyecare specialists are able to identify and correct vision problems earlier, which may account in part for the upsurge in people wearing glasses and contact lenses. Eyesight has always varied, but in the past many vision issues likely went unnoticed or uncorrected due to lack of access. Now, with more opportunities for diagnosis and treatment available, more people are able to get the vision correction they need.

INCREASE OF AWARENESS

One of the consequences of better earlier diagnosis is that people are becoming more aware of vision problems and the availability of corrective options. There is increased recognition of the need for regular eye examinations, leading to an increased demand for eyewear.

AGING POPULATION

As lifespan increases, more people are living to an age when presbyopia and other age-related vision conditions become common, contributing to the higher prevalence of vision problems and need for corrective eyewear.

GLASSES AS A FASHION ACCESSORY

Although vision problems have increased, this is not the only reason for the increase in people wearing glasses. No more simply a medical device to correct vision, glasses have become a fashion accessory and a way of accentuating a particular look, making a style statement or reflecting personality.

With the variety of irresistible eyewear on offer, people are able to choose glasses according to an outfit or occasion, and the demand for non-prescription glasses has increased dramatically.

If you suspect that you or your child may need glasses or are experiencing symptoms of visual discomfort, it is crucial to schedule an appointment with your optometrist. Regular eye check-ups are essential for early detection of vision problems and getting the necessary prescription eyewear as soon as possible.