Multifocal glasses: Do you know the facts?

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 multifocal or bifocal glasses could be adding to the strain.

What are the facts?

Did you know that more than 1 in every 3 falls are attributed to the wearing of multifocal/bifocal glasses?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 Even less serious falls can lead to a loss of confidence, meaning people can become withdrawn and feel as if they have lost their independence.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

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 contact lenses or glasses entirely and opting for an alternative vision correction method such as laser eye or lens replacement surgery.

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

Optometry Careers

If you’re an optometrist and interested in career opportunities with us, simply fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch with you to arrange an informal discussion.