Survey finds half of UK adults expect to experience sight loss in the next decade

A survey of more than 2000 UK adults revealed that one in two people expect to experience some form of sight loss in the next 10 years, yet more than one in four do not have regular eye tests.

The survey was commissioned by pharmaceutical company, Apellis, to identify attitudes and perceptions surrounding sight loss and released on World Sight Day (10 October).

The majority of survey respondents (90%) valued sight as their most important sense.

Of those questioned, 53% expect to experience a form of sight loss in the next decade – this figure was more pronounced in those aged over 50 with 59% expecting to experience sight loss.

The research found that the public underestimates the scale of sight loss, with one in two of those surveyed thinking that one million people or fewer in the UK are affected by sight loss – half of the real figure.

More than one in four of those surveyed do not have regular sight tests, and one in three (34%) admitted they would wait more than a month to seek medical help if they experienced problems with their sight.

The survey found that more than half feel it would be difficult to prevent sight loss in those aged over 70.

In response to the findings, Charles Colquhoun, CEO at the Thomas Pocklington Trust, said: “Given some causes of sight loss have the potential to progress in just a few weeks, it is concerning that one in three people would wait over a month to seek help.”

“Sight loss is expected to rise significantly by 2050 in the UK due to rising rates of diabetes and an ageing population, so it is a problem we simply cannot ignore,” he said, continuing: “More dialogue and awareness, as well as regular eye checks, are vital.”

The survey explored perceptions of sight loss, with 63% of respondents stating that, if they were diagnosed with a condition causing sight loss, they would be worried, scared (57%), anxious (56%), hopeless (31%), and isolated (30%).

Survey respondents also expressed concerns about losing their ability to drive (38%), 37% feared not enjoying life, and 33% were worried about not being able to care for themselves or a partner.

Ed Holloway, chief executive at the Macular Society, said: “We see first-hand the physical and emotional impact a diagnosis of macular disease can have on a person’s wellbeing. The fact that so many people worry about and fear sight loss highlights that more needs to be done to increase awareness of eye health and the importance of regular eye checks.”

“It is also important to ensure that individuals are made aware of the support available, as this can significantly improve their ability to cope with the emotional impact of sight loss and help them continue to live as independently as possible,” he added.

The survey found that 27% of respondents currently speak to family and friends over the age of 70 about sight loss often, while one third reported that they never talk about sight loss at all.

Paul Cox, general manager at Apellis, said: “These results show us that although sight is regarded as the most important sense, a significant proportion expect some form of sight loss in their future or as they get older – which need not be the case.”

He highlighted: “The good news is that sight loss is not an inevitable part of ageing and support is available. That’s why we’re working so hard to alleviate the burden of sight loss.”