One in five report eyesight 'noticeably deteriorating' during lockdown, study finds

One-third of those polled believe increased screen time has affected their vision

Dr Susan Blakeney urged people experiencing issues with their vision to call their local optometrist immediately (Alamy)

More than one in five people in Britain have noticed their vision deteriorate during lockdown, a study has found.

According to a survey of 2,000 people conducted by the College of Optometrists, 22 per cent of people reported their eyesight had noticeably deteriorated since the nation first went into lockdown in March.

One-third of those surveyed – and a higher proportion in those aged between 18 and 34, at 42 per cent – believe the problems with their eyesight stem from spending more time in front of their TV and computer screens while shut in at home.

Dr Susan Blakeney, optometrist and clinical adviser for the college, said anyone who held concerns over their vision should not hesitate in contacting a medical professional.

“It is very important that if your vision has deteriorated or if you are experiencing a red or painful eye you should telephone your local optometrist,” she said.

“They will be able to arrange a telephone consultation to help you get to the bottom of your problems and if needed they will arrange a face-to-face consultation.”

Press Association