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New Study Reveals Brits Suffer Sleepless Nights, Stress and Days Off Work before Seeing a Doctor

Nearly half of Brit’s are suffering sleep loss causing them to be stressed, irritable and exhausted due to eye health
Health, Lifestyle - 21 October 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Dr Trisha MacNair and Bonnie Williams| Login to Download

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  News Hooks:

New research reveals that nearly half (44%) of people are suffering sleep loss due to their eye health such as dry, itchy eyes, with 27% having bad nights at least once a week and 37% at least once a month. Sufferers said that the lack of sleep because of eye pain makes them stressed, irritable and exhausted.

Nearly half (48%) of respondents admitted to worrying about their eye health and it seems that this is affecting people in their work with 13% saying that they have either made mistakes in their job, pulled a sickie or have even left work early.

The study revealed that of those who suffer, 53% wait a week or more before going to see a doctor, optician or other healthcare professional with over one in 10 (11%) waiting longer than six months and one in 20 (5%) waiting more than two years. This despite the fact that the majority (82%) said that their eyesight was the most important of all five senses.

. Introduction:

A new study out today released by Rohto reveals the extent of eye health problems in the UK. It seems that UK adults face regular pain, lost sleep and exhaustion due to sore, scratchy, dry eyes. Eyes are frequently at risk, according to this new study. More than a third (35%) of respondents said they had accidentally stabbed themselves in the eye with a mascara or eye-liner brush, while 19% admitted they had put on eye make-up even when their eyes felt sore or scratchy. In addition, nearly a third (30%) of respondents reported having had someone accidentally spit in their eye while talking to them. Nearly half (48%) of respondents admitted to worrying about their eye health with some saying it has affected their work. The vast majority (82%) said that their eyesight was the most important of all their five senses yet it seems that all too many people are not bothering to seek medical attention for these problems.

So why is the health of our eyes so important?

Joining us in the studio to discuss this further is Dr Trisha MacNair and sufferer Bonnie Williams.

. Suggested Questions:

What did the research reveal about how people treat their eyes in our area and how do we compare to the rest of the wUK?

Why are so many people neglecting the health of their eyes?

What are the effects of sleep deprivation?

Why does the health of our eyes have such an impact on our work?

How can people take better care of their eyes?

Where can we find out more information?