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survey says canadians' eye health awareness and concerns on the rise

a new survey reveals that canadians are becoming more aware of eye health and aren't satisfied with the routes they can take to look after their eyes.

by angelica bottaro
published may 01, 2024
read time 3 minute read
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read time 3 minute read
join the conversation
new survey reveals what canadians want—and need—for optimal eye health. getty images
the canadian ophthalmological society has released the results from an eye health awareness and concerns survey, finding that 81 per cent of canadians have experienced negative symptoms related to their eyes and vision or are concerned about their eye health. the survey, which spoke to 1,605 respondents, found that while canadians continue learning more about eye health and potential diseases, their knowledge is typically limited to the big two: cataracts at 65 per cent and glaucoma at 53 per cent.
less than half of the respondents were familiar with other eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (amd) and diabetic retinopathy, with less than 41 per cent familiar with amd and less than 25 per cent familiar with diabetic retinopathy.
knowing what eye diseases exist isn’t always common knowledge. still, for amd, the leading cause of vision loss affecting 2.5 million canadians, being aware of the symptoms can make a huge difference when it comes to seeking out prompt care.
according to the survey, 71 per cent of canadians know of the factors that affect vision health but are less familiar with what symptoms mean for their eye health, leading to increased concerns.

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“as canadians become increasingly familiar with the four major eye diseases, there is a need for continued education to encourage proactive care,” said dr. phill hooper, president of the canadian ophthalmological society, in a press release.
“while the survey reveals increased awareness, it also highlights the significant concerns and alarming symptoms experienced by canadians over the past two years, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive eye health education and regular eye exams.”

the common symptoms and concerns of canadians

canadians are becoming more aware of symptoms affecting their vision because many have experienced them. for example, screen time is a large factor affecting vision, and over 30 per cent of canadians have experienced headaches, eye strain, and dry, itchy, and irritated eyes due to spending too much time in front of electronics.
other symptoms and the number of canadians that have noticed them in the last two years of the survey include:
  • 29 per cent saw an increased sensitivity to light
  • 27 per cent experienced blurry vision
  • 26 per cent saw an increase in excessive tearing or watery eyes
  • 17 per cent see halos around lights
  • 16 per cent noticed swelling or redness of the eyes
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canadians are also becoming more concerned about other factors that can affect their eye health in the short term and in the future. the top three factors that are driving the concern in the majority of canadians are:
  • screen time at 53 per cent
  • uv/sun exposure at 53 per cent
  • environmental factors at 36 per cent
when it comes to environmental factors, canadians residing in alberta and british columbia were the most concerned, with 44 per cent of albertans and 49 per cent of british columbians thinking about their eye health in relation to factors such as wildfires and pollution more than they have in the past.
the other factors driving eye health concerns in canadians include using medications that compromise eye health, experiencing an eye injury in the workplace, and getting hurt in the eyes during recreational sports.

hearing the call for better eye health innovations and interventions

canadians aren’t simply noticing the factors and symptoms that alert them to changes in their eye health. they are calling for action. as many as 51 per cent of canadians want better access to eye care.
close to half, 48 per cent, are also hoping for more effective treatment options for eye diseases. out of those effective treatments, 37 per cent would like to be able to take care of their eye health with less invasive therapies.
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when considering possible technological innovations, canadians aren’t entirely sold on artificial intelligence (ai) interventions or virtual eye exams, with less than 20 per cent being on board with the growing digital advancements in healthcare systems.
the results of the survey show just how vital it is to educate canadians on the potential risks of certain eye diseases, as well as viable up-and-coming interventions so that more people can have their concerns put to bed and their symptoms taken care of.
angelica bottaro
angelica bottaro

angelica bottaro is the lead editor at healthing.ca, and has been content writing for over a decade, specializing in all things health. her goal as a health journalist is to bring awareness and information to people that they can use as an additional tool toward their own optimal health.

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