Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Square Eyed Britain - Screen Fatigue affects Nine out of Ten Computer Users

Embargoed till 00.01 12th September

Square-eyed UK citizens spend a mind-numbing 128,780 hours per working lifetime sitting in front of TV or computer screens, according to a new survey1 launched to mark the start of National Eye Week (12 - 18 Sept).

Despite suffering from blinding headaches, eyestrain, problems with close-up and long-distance vision, one in 10 adults say they have NEVER visited an optician. No less than 40 per cent remain unaware that they can claim a free eye examination from their employer if they regularly use a computer monitor at work.

The poll of 2,750 workers was conducted by The Eyecare Trust in conjunction with Optrex™, the exclusive sponsor of this year's National Eye Week.

It revealed that the average couch potato spends 30.5 hours a week sitting in front of the TV and workaholics spend a staggering 35 solid hours a week sitting in front of their computer screens, without any thought of adjusting their seats, computer screens or posture for better comfort.

That equates to a total of 53 hours of 'screen watching' per working week, and 49 hours when on annual leave. Assuming the average person works between the ages of 18 and 65, that's a worrying 2,740 hours or three and a half months a year spent in front of a screen.

Iain Anderson, Chairman of the Eyecare Trust said: “As computer use in the workplace and the home continues to rise so do the number of people complaining of eyestrain. It's vital that computer users visit their optometrist for regular eye examinations2 and follow a healthy eyecare regime. 'Screen Fatigue' – sore, itchy, irritated eyes or temporary blurring of your vision affects up to 90 per cent of VDU users3.”

The Eyecare Trust's quick tips to help minimise the symptoms of 'Screen Fatigue'

•Take frequent breaks – give your eyes a rest every 20 minutes or so.

•Customise your screen settings – ensure your monitor is 33cm-59cm from your eyes and that the centre of your screen is 10cm-15cm below your natural eye level. Select a font size of 12pts or above and make sure you have a clean screen.

•Create an eye-friendly environment – Position copy documents at roughly the same distance from your
eyes as the screen to avoid having to re-focus, dim the lights (the ratio of ambient light to monitor light
should be three to one) and minimise any glare or reflections.

•And finally, keep blinking – when you concentrate on the screen for long periods your blink rate slows.

An astonishing 63 per cent of us admit to regularly leaving work with a terrible headache, while 53 per cent suffer from tired or strained eyes.

A third of those polled say they regularly put up with dry, irritated and watery eyes – and one in five people even admit to being aware of imperfections with their eyesight.

One in 10 employees say that while they are sure they need to wear glasses or contact lenses, they haven't yet been to get their eyes tested.

Log on to the National Eye Week website for more information about caring for your eyes www.nationaleyeweek.co.uk.

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For further info please contact:
Rachel Spackman or Adrian Knowles in the Eyecare Trust Press Office
Tel:01225 423394
Fax:01225 780057
Email:pr@eyecare-trust.org.uk


Notes for editors
1. Survey conducted by 72 point part of the SWNS Group between 1 - 9 August 2005
2. The Eyecare Trust recommends that everyone has their eyes examined once every two years (unless advised otherwise by their optometrist)
3. L K Wan O.D et, al 2001
4. Eyecare Usage and Attitudes Survey - TNS (2002 -2004)


The Eyecare Trust
The Eyecare Trust is a registered charity that exists to raise public awareness of all aspects of ocular health and the importance of regular eyecare.

Optrex
Established for over 70 years, Optrex is the UK's best known and most trusted eye care brand and continues to maintain its number one position in the eyecare market4. Optrex Infected Eyes Eye Drops are the latest addition to its comprehensive range of eyecare products.