As professionals we take serious notice of all of our trade journals and the press to give us up to date information about every aspect of our working life. We need to know about new trends, advances in technology and health, and items that may appear in the National press and we’ll be asked about. Surveys are always of particular interest to us, because it’s fascinating to know what the General public are thinking!

A cause for concern was a survey which claimed that 90% of the public are not aware that UV rays are as dangerous to the eyes as they are to the skin. The raised incidence of skin cancers has led to a vast amount of publicity regarding the dangers of unprotected UV exposure, but the message does not seem to have filtered through that several eye diseases can be triggered by UV. 42% of people surveyed did not know there was anything they could do to protect their eyes – so if you’re one of them here’s some information – wear kite marked sunglasses whenever you’re out in the sun, making sure they offer 100% protection against all forms of UV. This can protect your eyes against developing Cataracts, Macular Degeneration and Pinguecula. If you’re ordering new specs you can add a UV filter, even to clear lenses, for maximum protection.

We were surprised to read that although 79% of people know that they should have an eye exam every two years, only 60% actually do have examinations that regularly. For many patients the test is free, and it’s an opportunity to check your eye health and many aspects of your general health as well as sight. When 90% of us fear losing our sight over any other sense, it makes sense to keep up to date with this quick and simple part of your wellbeing and good health routine.

The next worry was a survey saying 18% of people under age twenty do not wear their prescribed glasses. While this won’t cause damage long term, it will cause eye strain short term, and at a time when exams and studying will be causing stress even with perfect sight. So make sure your children choose fashionable frames that they will enjoy wearing! Only 3% of under 18s wear contact lenses, which should be a viable alternative to specs wear. In other age groups the uptake of contact lenses is 26%, so try not to let constraints of time and money prevent your teenager from trying contact lenses – a few appointments will sort their sight correction out, for less than that new pair of trainers that they think they can’t live without!