MORE than one in three Australians with sight problems may be less fit and less socially active than those with 20-20 vision according to recent research.
A survey by eye clinic network PersonalEYES of 780 people with vision issues found 35 per cent of respondents (32 per cent women and 38 per cent men) had reduced their exercise, while 20 per cent of women and 13 per cent of men reduced their social activities.
In addition 73 per cent of contact lens wearers said they exercised less because of sight problems before getting help with their vision,
The survey also found that close to one in 10 men and six per cent of women changed jobs because of eye problems.
Eye surgeon Chandara Bala from PersonalEYES said: "You don't imagine that poor vision will have such an impact across so many aspects of a person's life, but this study shows sight issues effect overall physical and mental wellbeing.
Dr Bala said that the survey had found that one in 10 people had ongoing health problems such as headaches and sore eyes due to their vision issues and all age groups reported a need to cut back on computer work or paperwork .
Urging people to get solutions for eye problems, Dr Bala said patients general health and wellbeing often improved when vision problems were treated.
