ALMOST half of adults without perfect vision admit they’re held back by their eyesight – with it stopping them from working on their computers or participating in sport.
Yet, according to the poll of 2,000 adults without 20-20 vision, a quarter don’t do anything to try to improve their vision, such as visiting an optician.
While 59 percent are regularly left feeling frustrated by their sight without the help of glasses or contact lenses, with it impacting the confidence of 23 percent.
Inability to see details, feelings of anxiety from imperfect vision and struggling to recognise people from a distance are the top reasons their confidence is lowered.
A third (32 percent) even feel held back in their work life as a result, due to an inability to focus on detail for prolonged periods.
It also emerged that three quarters (76 percent) report experiencing ‘tired eyes’ on a regular basis due to extended screen time and reading for long periods.
According to the research, commissioned by the contact lens brand ACUVUE, evenings are generally when tired eyes are experienced most often, and this leaves respondents compensating by having to take a nap (37 percent) or rubbing their eyes (34 percent).
And 31 percent say they’re simply unsatisfied with not being able to see the world as clearly as they’d like, with 18 percent lacking confidence in themselves when wearing glasses.
However, amongst those who wear contact lenses, 89 percent say they feel more confident when using them, according to the OnePoll data.
The ACUVUE research was part of the brand’s ‘I See You Campaign’, which encourages adults to get the most out their city by maximising their visual comfort and clarity through the benefits of their contact lenses.
Chirag Amin from Johnson & Johnson said: “Not having clear vision can really take its toll on your lifestyle.
“It is evident that many people in the UK are simply putting up with their discomfort or tired eyes when it comes to their vision care – missing out on the moments that add to life – when they could use a contact lens that is well suited for their lifestyle instead.”
“Prioritising your eyesight is always important but having comfortable and clear vision can particularly have a positive impact when living in major cities where the lifestyle and the environment can be particularly challenging on the eyes.
“And who wouldn’t want to have the best vision possible, to enhance their day-to-day life?”
When vision is left uncorrected, respondents struggle most with reading, watching television or using computers for long periods.
Shopping, going to a concert and sightseeing were other things they felt unable to do.
The survey also revealed residents in Edinburgh, Birmingham and Bristol are most frustrated by how their sight holds them back.
But those in Sheffield, Glasgow and Liverpool feel the least impact on their daily life.
Interestingly, respondents in Scotland report their confidence is impacted most by their vision – with inability to focus on specific detail and recognise people until they’re close-up.
Of all respondents, a third admit the effect of their sight on day-to-day life is significant, with Gen-Z most likely to feel their eyesight is a barrier.
And adults aged 26 to 35 put off the most activities due to visual limitations, with an average of three things that they would like to do but feel hindered because of existing challenges.
Interestingly, only 18 percent of all those polled wear contact lenses, with 69 percent wearing glasses, yet for the vast majority of people there is no clinical reason not to wear contact lenses.
However, 82 percent of contact lens wearers state that with their contact lenses, their sight is crisp and clear.
Chirag Amin from Johnson & Johnson added: “We want people to really soak up the fantastic cities they live in and enjoy all of the benefits that come with a bustling urban life – but do so without compromising their eyesight.”
“This can be easier said than done if you don’t have the right eye care solution to match your needs – being left frustrated by the impact imperfect vision can have on your life.”
