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Multifocal glasses: Is your local optician telling you the full story?

Whether it’s by donating to an NHS charity or proudly standing on our doorsteps banging pots and pans, we’ve all looked for ways to help support and protect our wonderful National Health Service this summer.

We all know that reducing the burden on the NHS by limiting preventable accidents or infections is one way in which we can all make a difference. But what you may not know is that your multifocal or bifocal glasses could be adding to the strain.

Is your optician giving you the full facts?

Did you know that more than 1 in every 3 falls are attributed to the wearing of multifocal/bifocal glasses?1 As a vision correction solution, they create a shortfall in edge-contrast sensitivity and depth perception, meaning that the wearers are far more likely to experience trips and falls.

Falls can lead to serious2, often life-threatening health consequences for patients, resulting in hospital admissions and increasing pressure on the NHS. Even less serious falls can lead to a loss of confidence, meaning people can become withdrawn and feel as if they have lost their independence.

The scale of the impact on the NHS is much larger than you may imagine!

Around 1 in 3 adults over the age of 65 fall each year3,4

Around 1 in 2 adults over the age of 70 fall each year3

If you are a multifocal or bifocal glasses wearer, what can you do to help?

As we all aim to stay safe and protect plus reduce the burden on the NHS, now is a good time to consider ditching your contact lenses or glasses entirely and opting for an alternative vision correction method. Laser eye or lens replacement procedures are two long-term solutions which could be right for your vision correction needs.

Why not speak to our expert team today about what solution is best for you. Simply book your free consultation right here.

 

References

  1. Lord SR. J Am Geriatr Soc 2002; 50:1760-6
  2. Peel NM. Can J Aging 2011; 30:7-19
  3. Masud T.Age Ageing 2001; 30:3-7
  4. nhs.uk/conditions/falls
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