National Eye Health Week (NEHW) 2022

September 19, 2022
Events

The National Eye Health Week (19th to 25th September 2022) aims to educate people on the importance of eye health and why they should have regular sight tests.

Did you know?

2 million people in the UK are living with sight loss, that is severe enough to have a significant impact on their daily lives. Half of this sight loss is avoidable.*

A sight test can detect early signs of conditions like glaucoma, which can be treated if found soon enough

During a sight test, other health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure may be detected.

For healthy eyes, eat well, don’t smoke and wear eye protection in bright sunlight.

When is it?

This year’s National Eye Health Week is set to take place from the 19th to 25th September 2022. Like other awareness campaigns, this campaign aims to inspire and educate people on the importance of eye health and why they should go for regular sight tests.

The importance of eye sight towards the overall wellbeing, independence and quality of life of an individual is too important to be ignored. This is why eye care charities, health professionals and organisations across the UK are encouraged to join together during this week to promote the importance of eye health and need for regular tests.

Digital eye strain (DES)

What is it?

Digital eye strain, also referred to as Computer vision syndrome, describes a group of eye- and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader and cell phone use.

With the increase in time spent on digital devices, Achieve Foundation is using this year’s National Eye Health Week to promote the 20-20-20 rule; take a 20-second break to view something 20 feet away every 20 minutes.

Debunking common myths about digital eye strain

Myth: Computers, tablets, and cell phones do not cause vision problems.

Fact: Actually, prolonged usage of digital devices is a main cause of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), otherwise known as Digital Eye Strain. Digital eye strain can cause significant discomfort— sore or tired eyes, blurry vision, dry eyes, headaches, and even neck or shoulder pain.

Myth: Digital eye strain does not affect people who wear corrective eyewear.

Fact: Unfortunately, corrective eyewear cannot always prevent the effects of prolonged screen time. However, computer glasses with anti-reflective coatings can be worn to reduce the symptoms of the condition.

Myth: Digital eye strain does not affect work productivity.

Fact: According to research, digital eye strain does in fact affect work productivity and computer work accuracy, even if symptoms are mild. Moreover, as the day progresses, and screen time accumulates, ocular muscle fatigue will significantly affect accuracy, productivity, and comfort.

Myth: There is no treatment for digital eye strain.

Fact: Digital eye strain can be effectively treated with a program of vision therapy.

According to research, vision therapy can significantly improve symptoms associated with digital eye strain. During vision therapy, you will learn how to train your eyes and brain to work together, to improve your visual skills.

Vision therapy exercises to improve binocular vision may target:

Eye movement skills
Eye focusing skills
Eye teaming skills

Myth: Vision therapy is only effective for children.

Fact: Vision therapy is often just as effective for adults as it is for children, because adults are highly motivated to improve their visual skills.

Myth: There aren’t any behavioral changes that will alleviate symptoms of digital eye strain.

Fact: While vision therapy will help to retrain your visual skills and strengthen your binocular vision, there are certain behavioral changes you can make to help reduce your discomfort from digital eye strain.

Appropriate lighting: Appropriate lighting is important while using a computer— close window curtains and use “soft white” indoor lighting. Also, position your computer with all windows to the side of your screen, instead of behind or in front of it.
Reduce glare: Purchase an anti-glare screen that can be installed on your computer. Additionally, if you already wear corrective eyeglasses, make sure that your lenses are made with anti-reflective (AR) coatings.
Replace older computer screens: Newer flat-panel LED screens have an anti-reflective surface to make screen time more comfortable for your eyes.
Adjust your display settings: The display settings of your computer or digital device can be adjusted to help minimize eye strain and fatigue.
Brightness. Adjust the brightness of your screen so it’s similar to the brightness of your room.
Text color and size. Adjust text color and size— black text on a white background is easiest on the eyes.
Reduce blue light. Adjust the color temperature of your screen to “warmer” colors such as red and orange to reduce blue light emission, which can also cause eye strain. If you are concerned about blue light emissions, computer glasses can be made with specifically tinted lenses, to reduce blue light exposure.
Keep blinking: To avoid dry eyes, try to remember to blink 10 times (with full eyelid closure), every 20 minutes. Your eye doctor may also recommend eye drops which could provide some relief from dry eyes.
20-20-20 rule: The 20-20-20 rule involves looking at something that is 20 feet away, for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes. Looking at distant images relaxes the ocular muscles responsible for focusing, thereby reducing fatigue. Also, take frequent breaks away from your computer to stretch and decrease muscle tension.
Make your workstation comfortable: Make sure that your desk and chair are at a comfortable height so your feet can rest on the floor, and that your computer screen is positioned just below your eye level and 20-24 inches away from your eyes.
Computer glasses: Computer glasses may be a good option if you spend many hours on a computer, even if you don’t usually wear glasses for distance or reading. Computer glasses are also helpful if you wear contact lenses and experience dry eyes after prolonged screen time.