Half of UK adults expect vision loss within a decade, yet many skipping eye tests

A recent survey of over 2,000 UK adults found that half of people expect to experience some form of sight loss within the next decade, yet more than a quarter do not have regular eye tests.

Conducted by pharmaceutical company Apellis, the survey aimed to understand public attitudes and perceptions about sight loss.

The findings revealed that 90% of people consider sight their most valued sense. Among those surveyed, 53% expect to face sight loss in the next ten years, with this expectation rising to 59% among people over 50. The survey also showed that many people underestimate how common sight loss is. Half of the respondents thought that fewer than one million people in the UK are affected, but the real number is twice that.

Alarmingly, over a quarter of people said they did not have regular eye exams, and 34% would delay seeking medical help for more than a month if they experienced vision problems. The survey also found that more than half of the participants believe it would be challenging to prevent sight loss in those over 70.

Emotional impact of sight loss 

It also explored emotional responses to potential sight loss, with 63% of people feeling worried, 57% scared, 56% anxious, 31% hopeless, and 30% isolated. Concerns about losing the ability to drive (38%), not enjoying life (37%), and being unable to care for oneself or a partner (33%) were also prevalent.

Ed Holloway, chief executive of the Macular Society, highlighted the importance of support services to help people cope with the emotional challenges of sight loss. 

He 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.”

Discuss sight loss with your family 

The survey revealed that 27% of people frequently discuss sight loss with family and friends over 70, while a third never broach the topic.

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.

“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.”