Eye Health Survey Uncovers Canadians’ Concerns About Recent Symptoms Affecting Their Eyes & Vision

Tuesday, May 7 2024 | 11 h 39 min | News

In time for Vision Health Month this May, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) has released a new survey to assess Canadians’ awareness, understanding, and concerns around eye and vision health.

Canadians’ Familiarity with Eye Diseases

Of the four leading eye diseases affecting vision, cataracts and glaucoma are still the most commonly known among Canadians. Two-thirds (65%) of survey respondents are familiar with cataracts – a slight increase from 62% in 2022, and more than half (53%) are familiar with glaucoma – up from 47% in 2022.

However, more education on other eye diseases is needed. Less than half (41%) are familiar with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), despite being one of the leading causes of vision loss for people over the age of 55 which affects approximately 2.5 million Canadians. Fewer (25%) are familiar with diabetic retinopathy, which can affect those living with diabetes.

“As Canadians become increasingly familiar with the four major eye diseases, there is a need for continued education to encourage proactive care. While the survey reveals increased awareness, it also highlights significant concerns and alarming symptoms experienced by Canadians over the past two years, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive eye health education and regular eye exams.”

Dr. Phil Hooper, president, Canadian Ophthalmological Society

Eye Health Concerns and Symptoms Affecting Canadians’ Eyes and Vision

When it comes to their eye health, the majority of Canadians (81%) are concerned or have experienced at least one factor when it comes to their eyes and vision. Among the top three are too much screen time; exposure to sun/UV rays; and environmental factors, such as wildfire smoke and pollution. Canadians in BC and Alberta are directionally more concerned with environmental factors than those in the East.

In the past 2 years, 71% of Canadians have experienced one or more symptoms around their eyes or their vision, with screen time being the leading factor to their symptoms:

• Dry, itchy and irritated eyes due to screen time (34%)
• Headaches / eye strain due to screen time (30%)
• Sensitivity to light (29%)
• Blurry vision (27%)
• Excessive tearing or watery eyes (26%)
• Seeing halos around lights (17%)
• Redness or swelling of the eyes (16%)

Advancing Eye Health Through Innovations

Regarding innovations in eye health that Canadians would like to see more of, better access to eye care (51%) and more effective treatments for eye diseases (48%) top the list, while nearly 4 in 10 (37%) would like to see less invasive treatments for eye diseases. Few Canadians want the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a more efficient way to detect vision/eye problems and eye diseases (19%) and virtual eye exams (18%).

To learn more about the four major eye diseases and get information on overall eye health, visit seethepossibilities.ca.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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