Rushden optician warns of intense strain on eyes caused by living a 'virtual' life during Covid-19

A Rushden opticians is encouraging people to get their eyes tested after 57 per cent of people it surveyed said eye strain has been a side effect from living a ‘virtual’ life during the challenges of coronavirus.

The study, carried out by OnePoll of 2,000 UK adults on behalf of Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care, which has a branch in Rushden High Street, also found that many of those polled need to re-evaluate their approach to looking after their vision – especially those aged over 55.

Just a fifth of those in this age group are worried about the possible side effects of blue light on their vision - compared to half of those aged 18 to 24.

While a third of all adults don’t know what blue light is and aren’t aware of how it could impact eye health.

Branch manager Chris Taylor said: “As we are spending much more time using screens to communicate with colleagues, friends and family the strain on our eyes is intense, so it’s vital that we give as much priority to booking an eye test as we do to taking up half price meal offers."

However, the same study revealed that half of those polled are apprehensive about booking an appointment in the wake of the pandemic.

Chris added: “We have taken every possible precaution to make sure our store is safe for customers and for staff too.

"It’s so important that we take care of our eyesight and go for regular checks every two years, as they are the window to our general health too, as an eye test can detect so much more than a deterioration in our vision.”

Scrivens has drawn up a list of five tips for relieving strain on your eyes from a computer:

- Step away from your computer screen for regular eye breaks

- Reduce glare by checking your lighting. Sunlight and bright lighting can make it difficult for you to read your screen and cause eye strain. Use an anti-glare cover over the screen

- Adjust the height of your monitor (or your chair). The screen should be about an arm’s length away and the top of the screen should be at or just below eye level

- Adjust your type size for easier reading. Use your screen settings to enlarge the typeface and adapt the contrast and brightness to levels that suit you

- Get your eyes checked. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, make sure your prescription is up to date

Message from the editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive.

We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you