TV presenter, author and model, Lisa Snowdon, is urging the public to brush up on their eye health knowledge, as she backs a new educational campaign launched by eyecare experts, Théa UK.
The ‘Improve Your Eye-Q’ campaign has been developed to raise awareness amongst the public around the importance of good eye health and how to spot and manage conditions such as Dry Eye Disease. The campaign, which coincides with National Eye Health Week 2023 (18-24 September), includes an online ‘What’s Your Eye-Q?’ quiz that helps people measure their own eye health knowledge.
Snowdon, who has herself suffered with Dry Eyes for over four years, said: “I don’t think people talk about eye health enough. It’s so important. As I’ve become older, I’m more aware and concerned about my eye health. I’ve had watery eyes for many years, probably owing to make up and photoshoots, bright lights and shooting on location in warm sunshine. However, lately I’ve noticed my eyes getting really dry. I discussed this with my optometrist and they advised this is due to the menopause – I now get flare ups most weeks which usually last for a day or two.”
Dry Eye Disease affects around a third of the UK population.1 Common symptoms include sore eyelids, watery eyes, and blurred vision. Around 61 percent of those with menopause suffer from dry, itchy eyes but only 16 percent connect it to their hormonal changes they are experiencing.2 Wearing contact lenses, looking at screens for a long time without a break, spending time in air conditioned or heated environments, smoking, or drinking alcohol are all lifestyle factors which can increase the chances of developing Dry Eye Disease.
Snowdon continues: “My symptoms get worse from air conditioning and working on my computer or looking my phone for long periods. I make sure I have regular eye tests and look for products that are preservative free to help soothe and hydrate my eyes. I also want my eyes to look clear and healthy, not red, and irritated. Eye health should be a priority – I hope this campaign encourages people to think about how much they really know about their eye health and take steps to look after their eyes.”
Keval Sejpar, Principal Optometrist at McAusland Optometrists and member of Théa UK’s E.Y.E. (Expert on Your Eyes) team, said: “The Improve your Eye-Q campaign is all about raising the nation’s awareness of eye health. There is a lot that people don’t know about when it comes to looking after our eyes, from how often to get them tested, to how frequently we should take breaks from looking at screens, or how diet and other lifestyle factors can have an effect. Not many people know that fluctuations in hormones during menopause can have a significant impact on their eye health too. Changing hormone levels can affect the tear film, reducing the quantity and quality of your tears and increasing the risk of tear evaporation. This can lead to your eyes feeling dry and irritated. I would urge everyone to look at the ‘What’s your Eye-Q’ quiz, to see how much they really know about their eyes. You might find the results eye-opening!”
To test your eye health knowledge and for further information on conditions such as Dry Eye Disease, you can visit here.
References
1. Vidal-Rohr M, Craig JP, Davies LN, Wolffsohn JS. The epidemiology of dry eye disease in the UK: The Aston dry eye study. Cont Lens Anterior Eye 2023;46(3):101837.
2. Vision Matters: Eye Health and the Menopause [last accessed August 2023].
