June 21, 2019.

A study by the National Association for the Improvement of Sight alerts on the vision of the French, in particular that of 16-24 year olds, which risks worsening because of screens and insufficient screening.

Young people do not take enough care of their eyesight  

Eye strain, discomfort and pain, screens tire our eyes. The blue light diffused by computers, tablets and smartphones, has a detrimental effect on our retinas. According to the 15th ANSM visual health barometer of the French, published on June 20, 2019, with the OpinionWay polling institute, the 16-24 year olds questioned spend about 3h30 each day on their smartphone and 2h47 on their computer. In addition, half of the participants complained of visual fatigue. However, the study reports that 34% of them do nothing to relieve their eyes and 15% have never seen an ophthalmologist. 

The study also notes that young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who have myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism, do not wear their glasses. One in two young people do not use their glasses in front of a screen or while driving, figures which reflect bad habits and which must be changed.  

Improve screening  

The ANSM association encourages screening and wishes to strengthen prevention. She calls on the public authorities to provide them with help in schools. Even if the Days of the vision are a good operation, more free screenings could take place in schools, high schools, faculties and town halls to treat vision disorders.  

Another suggestion would be to provide the French with a health record specific to sight. Finally, the association recommends a compulsory medical examination to check the eyesight before obtaining the driver’s license.  

Stephanie Haerts

To read also: Should a blurred vision challenge us?