Are lockdown habits destroying our

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

It has been more than eight months since the UK first went into lockdown and we have now entered lockdown 2.0, meaning eight months of Zoom calls, eight hours a day on your work computer and Netflix binges which inevitably are going to put a strain on your eyesight. Online glasses retailer Glasses Direct has discovered that one in five Brits believe their vision has declined during lockdown. The survey only revealed results from adults, but what about children’s eyesight? Has their eyesight been affected in a similar way and what can be done to prevent any further damage? Veronica Tang, 24, has been a qualified optician for two years. She studied at Manchester University and then went on to do a pre-reg training program with Specsavers. She has already noticed changes in her young patients. “I have realised that since lockdown a lot of kids have come in needing eye tests as since returning to school they are struggling to see the board. They have become a lot more short sighted.” There are many studies that show a relationship between reading up close

Are lockdown habits damaging our vision?

LOLA ROBERTS speaks to an optician about the reliance on computerised screens while we are stuck at home and its damage to our health

and short sightedness. Veronica, who works at Specsavers in Huyton, added: “Our eyes are not made to look up close for a long period of time, there are a lot of studies in Asia that say anything close up will cause short sightedness as your eyes are only designed to look into the distance.” Shortsightedness does not tend to be corrected, meaning it is vital to try and prevent damage to your eyesight as much as possible. Veronica offered her advice and said: “I’d recommend to spend 20 minutes outdoors a day. There is also a 20 second rule, so every 20 minutes you are looking close up you need to look outside or in the distance for 20 seconds. This doesn’t prevent

‘Our eyes are not made to look up close for a long period of time’

shortsightedness, but it might slow it down.” As children can stay in school this time around screen time mayfortunately be lower for them, however, for older students currently at university their whole degree will be studied online, which will could affect their eye health. Veronica said: “I assume they will have more headaches because they are constantly studying, if this includes you then you need to take regular breaks, stay hydrated and try to look from farther away.” Veronica added that the most important thing is to take regular breaks and she urged everyone who is concerned about headaches to have an eye test to ensure there is no underlying prescription that could be causing them.

Photo by Kalea Jerielle on Unsplash

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

By SARAH TAYLOR

Wondering what presents could be underneath your tree this year? Our helpful gift guide might spark a few ideas...

GIFTS FOR HER

1

The famous candle company have brought out new Christmas scents to delight your loved one. Available in many different variations, from ‘Fa La La La Llama’ to ‘Singing Carols’. Pandora has released some beautiful new jewellery for this Christmas season. With festive charms, necklaces, bracelets, and even a collaboration with Disney, there is something for all in this collection to help make your special someone’s day magical.

2

Starting from £25.

Starts from £1.99.

3

For a gift that keeps on giving, a monthly subscription to BuddyBox is the perfect present. Labelled ‘a hug in a box’, it contains self-care treats which are delivered directly to their door to lift their mood.

Plans start from £21.50.

4

Pick from a range of different brands, such as Dior, Gucci, and Jimmy Choo, and surprise her at Christmas with a bottle of her favourite – or soon to be favourite – perfume.

Can start from £9.99.

FOR UNDER £100!

1

Put some new bling on his wrist with a Sekonda watch. With multiple different variations, all in very stylish designs, you can’t go wrong when putting this under the tree. Choose from many top brands, including Calvin Klein, Paco Rabanne, and Dior, and treat your loved one with the perfect

Prices start from £9.99.

GIFTS FOR HIM

3

scent for Christmas.

Prices start from £19.99.

2

Looking for something affordable yet good quality? Then look no further than Harry’s. Supplying shaving sets for men, either as a one time buy or as a monthly subscription, this is the ideal gift for men.

Sets start from £14.

4

Make him feel good this festive season with Nivea. Designed to care for the skin, there are plenty of options to cater to the man in your life.

Gift sets start from £9.99.