APPERLEY Bridge based eye experts are warning that nearly a third of glasses wearers are avoiding having an eye test during the pandemic.

New research commissioned by Optegra Eye Hospital Yorkshire shows that 29 per cent of local spectacles wearers have not had a test since COVID-19 emerged - and 35 per cent intend not to have one until the crisis is over.

More than half of those asked - 52 per cent - said they would only go to an optician during the pandemic if they had a distinct problem with their eyes, while 32 per cent said they would not seek support even though they knew they needed to update their prescription.

Medical director at Optegra Eye Hospital Yorkshire, Amir Hamid, however is warning that such choices could put people’s health at risk.

He said: “It is very concerning that people are ignoring changes to their vision.

“At worst, these can be signs of a serious eye condition which needs urgent treatment; or at best, an indication that their glasses prescription needs to be updated.

“These symptoms simply should not be ignored and we very much encourage everyone who notices changes in their vision to ‘test and treat’ without delay.

“Within Optegra Eye Hospital Yorkshire and throughout community opticians in the region many safety measures have been put in place to keep patients safe from Covid-19.

“Indeed, our professional body supports that eye health tests and treatments should be maintained during this challenging time for us all – the long-term risks are too great to ignore changes to vision.”

One person who knows very well the importance of keeping up eye checks is 86 year old Colin Lamb, from Otley.

Mr Lamb’s wife and carer, Patricia, said: “When Colin was first diagnosed with cataracts he was told he might have to wait 18 months for treatment at the local hospital.

“But then we got referred to Optegra and they have been brilliant – we only had to wait three months from the first diagnosis, and then only three weeks for the second eye to be treated.

“Colin has been having headaches from another health problem, so cataracts on top of that was just an added problem. It has been excellent to have his eyes treated so quickly.”

Mr Hamid, meanwhile, has some tips for those who have been struggling to stop their glasses from steaming up while wearing a face mask. He said: “For those who need to wear glasses all day cleaning them gently with washing-up liquid can help.

“Also make sure your face mask is a snug fit to stop breath escaping and try positioning it higher on your nose so glasses hold it in place.”