Do you have ‘Coronavision’?

Many of us are experiencing poorer eyesight than we were pre-pandemic – here’s why

Arecent survey has found 31 per cent of UK adults have noticed their vision deteriorate since pandemic lockdowns were first introduced. Commissioned by the College of Optometrists, the research found that 21 per cent of people struggle with everyday tasks due to problems with their eyesight and 55 per cent are worried about losing vision as they get older.

Of those surveyed, 44 per cent believed their eyesight had worsened due to increased screen time, while 28 per cent attributed it to prolonged time spent indoors.

At the height of the first lockdown, UK adults spent more than 40 per cent of their waking time glued to a device. This can go some way to explaining the deterioration in eye health, but it’s not the only factor at play. A lockdown-related increase in alcohol consumption, limited access to eye health services and normal causes like ageing (particularly for women) could be factors, too.

Screens vs sight

“Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a condition resulting from looking at a digital device (phone, tablet or computer screen) for protracted, uninterrupted periods of time,” explains Dr Andy Hepworth from Essilor.co.uk.

“This is because the screen distance makes eyes work harder, amplified by pixels constantly refreshing so the eyes must constantly refocus to see the screen clearly. The muscles within the eye are unable to recover from the strain. It is also proven that people blink less frequently when staring at a screen, which causes eyes to dry, become slightly itchy and, in some cases, can result in blurred vision. Glasses wearers that have incorrect or outdated prescription lenses can also be more susceptible to CVS.

“Signs of CVS are often overlooked but, if left unchecked, could lead to longer-term eye health issues. Symptoms include eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes and neck and shoulder pain. If you are suffering from any of these ailments you should contact your local optician for an eye exam.”

One of the longer-term issues that could develop is myopia (short-sightedness). “There are studies that have shown there is an increase in myopia as a result of increased exposure to mobile devices that are naturally held closer,” adds David Hutchfield, Glasses Direct’s Head of Professional Services. “Using mobile devices late at night may also disturb sleep patterns resulting in feelings of fatigue.”

Beer goggles

On average, one in five people upped their alcohol intake during lockdown, while 36 per cent of furloughed workers increased their consumption – a trend dubbed “furlough Merlot” – and this could be another cause of worsened eye health. Royston Bayfield, founder and managing director of Bayfields Opticians and Audiologists, says, “As a person consumes more alcohol, their liver processes less of the substance, leading to higher levels of toxins in the blood.

“Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to many health issues, for your eye health this can include increasing the risk of macular degeneration. This develops when the part of the eye responsible for central vision is unable to function as effectively as it used to. It can mean reading becomes difficult, colours appear less vibrant and people’s faces are difficult to recognise.

“Additionally, changes in blood pressure caused by alcohol reduce how many nutrients and how much oxygen the optic nerve receives, and changes in levels of B12, or thiamine, can also damage vision. There are also some studies that suggest excessive drinking can lead to an increased risk of cataracts, which is a condition that makes the clear lens of the eye go cloudy or opaque.”

Your eyes can provide clues to your general health and wellbeing too. “The whites of the eye, known as the sclera, should be really clear,” adds Royston. “If they discolour, this could also be a sign of other health conditions. We’d urge anyone who has noticed a change in the feel, look or function of their eyes to seek a thorough examination that checks eye health, as well as vision, as soon as possible.”

The gender gap

Besides screentime and alcohol, our sight naturally deteriorates with age – and the effects are felt most keenly by women. One in four UK women are at risk of developing sight loss in their lifetime, compared to one in eight men, according to the Royal National Institute of Blind People. “There are a number of reasons why the disparity between male and female eye health could exist,” says Dr Hepworth. “One factor is hormones. Women often experience changes in their vision during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Even the menstrual cycle can have an effect. When females enter puberty, the sudden increase in oestrogen in the body may lead to an increase in short sightedness. While during pregnancy, a woman’s body will have a constant surge of both oestrogen and progesterone, which can also cause blurry vision or trouble focusing.

“During the menopause, women’s oestrogen and progesterone levels greatly decrease, which also has an impact on vision. Menopausal women can experience a high build-up of intraocular pressure, which is linked to glaucoma. This high eye pressure can lead to optic nerve damage, which causes vision loss. Dry Eye Syndrome is also more common in postmenopausal women, due to the hormonal changes in the body.”

“The risk of developing eye conditions that can lead to sight loss, such as cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma, increases with age, which is why it’s important to get regular eye examinations,” adds Charlotte Cook, Optometrist and Clinical Development Coach at Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists. “One of the worst things you can do is to ignore any changes with your eyesight or just put it down to getting older. Most eye conditions that lead to sight loss can be treated if they are detected early enough. Even waiting a few months before receiving treatment can in some cases lead to irreversible damage.”

One in four UK women are at risk of developing sight loss