The importance of eye health

A third of over-60s want to catch up on the things they missed out on when they were younger as they approach retirement.

A poll of 900 adults aged 60 and over found 73 per cent couldn’t do everything they wanted to when growing up because of financial constraints.

And 59 per cent didn’t have time because of work commitments, while 37 per cent lacked confidence when they were younger.

But now, with almost half of respondents (45 per cent) never wanting to feel monotonous and stuck in a routine, some 31 per cent are booking spontaneous holidays, and 13 per cent have attended their first music festival in their sixth decade and beyond. Eight per cent are even eyeing up the chance to scuba dive for the very first time.

The research, commissioned by eye surgery specialist Newmedica ahead of National Eye Health Week this week (23-29 September), also found that 45 per cent are afraid of losing their independence because of things like their eyesight deteriorating.

Newmedica ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) Nigel Kirkpatrick said: “Our research shows how much opportunity there is to live life to its fullest as you get older, and how looking after your health and maintaining good eyesight can give you a greater quality of life.”

Among the daily themes of National Eye Health Week are Sight after 60 and Live well to see well.

“If you don’t have your sight, even simple tasks can be a challenge, Mr Kirkpatrick added.

“Having good-quality vision shouldn’t be an afterthought, even as you get older.

“You should be able to enjoy every moment without compromising, and taking care of your vision means it will stand the test of time for longer.”

The study found 47 per cent want to alleviate as many worries as possible when it comes to their health so they can enjoy every day in the future. Almost six in 10 (57 per cent) want to keep trying new things to positively impact their mental health, and 51 per cent believe it will improve their cognitive abilities as they get older.

And 79 per cent think their quality of sight is intrinsically linked to their quality of life.

Of those polled, via OnePoll, 66 per cent have found their eyesight has grown worse as they’ve aged, with 58 per cent of these claiming this has stopped them exploring new challenges.

It is estimated that almost one third (30 per cent) of people aged 65 years or older will develop a visually impairing cataract in one or both eyes. This typically age-related condition is when protein builds up in the lens, making it cloudy. Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy natural lens with a lens implant, with a range of different replacement lens options being available.

Mr Kirkpatrick added: “How we live our life is heavily dictated by our health, so it’s important to put it first.

“Cataracts are a common condition which affect a number of older adults, but our research showed that more than three-quarters of people (79%) of people over 60 are unaware that the quality of cataract replacement lens used by ophthalmologists will have an impact on the long-term quality of your eyesight, with some lenses needing correction only a few years later.

“You can’t expect your health or your eyes to just take care of itself and, like with anything, getting the best quality of care will give you the best results and last longer, so it’s important to choose your provider well. At Newmedica we use only the best lenses as standard for everyone.”

Newmedica is a leading independent provider of NHS-funded and private eye care including cataracts surgery and glaucoma management.