OVER half (54%) of Londoners eat lunch in front of their screens at their desks and a further 53% are looking at their phones when taking breaks at work, risking long-term eye strain.
· 43% say they have tired eyes at the end of the working day
· 30% feel their eyes are strained
· 28% report feeling headachy after a day at their desk
· One in five (20%) prefer video calls as it’s easier than organising a face-to-face meeting
People across the capital are not taking enough desk breaks during the working week and risking tired eyes and headaches.
Ahead of National Eye Health Week, taking place Monday 22 September to Friday 26 September, Specsavers has commissioned new research to raise awareness around common and avoidable conditions caused by the workplace. A study of 1,000 employed adults in London found that 54% regularly stare at their monitors for up to two hours without looking away, with many experiencing symptoms linked to prolonged screen time such as eye strain, tired eyes, dry eyes and headaches.
The average London desk worker spends a significant portion of their day seated, with around five to six hours spent at their desk accounting for 30% of the day. More than one in five Londoners (21%) typically take part in three to four video calls every day, with each call lasting between 31 and 59 minutes on average (21%).
Despite this, just 36% of Londoners are aware they are entitled to eye care support through their employer including regular eye tests, which can help detect early signs of eye strain or other conditions.
Worryingly, 34% of Londoners default to going to the eye hospital instead of their local optician for eye issues not knowing that opticians can treat many minor conditions and can potentially diagnose more serious concerns on the spot, often without lengthy NHS waiting times. Optometrists can also arrange fast-track referrals when necessary.
Dr Nigel Best, a spokesperson for Specsavers who commissioned the research says: ’Our eyes weren’t designed for back-to-back video calls and endless spreadsheets. It’s important to make time to step away from your desk and give your eyes the respite they need.
‘While there’s no direct link between screen time and serious eye disease, the daily impact is clear as we see an increase in dry, irritated eyes, headaches, and blurred vision which can all come from pushing your eyes too hard without regular breaks.
‘Eye care isn’t just about seeing well it’s about staying comfortable and healthy. Too many people aren’t aware that they can speak directly to their optician if they have any eye health concerns, without needing to go through a GP or hospital first.
‘Following the 20-20-20 rule, using lubricating eye drops, and getting enough sleep are small steps that can make a big difference to your everyday eye health.’
The 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
For further information of what you’re entitled to and how to access eyecare through your employer, please visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/corporate