Eye Health: Why are visual impairments on the rise?

Nowadays, we are seeing an increasing number of people wearing glasses or reporting vision problems. From children to the elderly, everyone can be affected. So, what are these conditions, and what causes them to develop?

Major Eye Diseases

There are about twenty different eye diseases or visual disorders, some of which are more well-known and widespread than others. Here are a few of them:

• Myopia (difficulty seeing far distances)
• Hyperopia (difficulty seeing objects up close)
• Astigmatism (a corneal distortion that results in blurred vision)
• Presbyopia (age-related eye changes that reduce the ability to focus)
• Cataracts (clouding of the lens that prevents light from reaching the retina)
• AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration, more serious than previous conditions as it causes progressive vision loss)

What are the causes of these diseases?

While most eye diseases or disorders can be caused by genetics or aging (with hereditary diseases showing a marked increase over the last twenty years), it is evident that environmental factors are also driving numerous vision problems: stress, exposure to excessive light, excessive reading, and daily screen time.

Are screens the cause of increasing eye disorders?

According to the Ministry of Health, 7 out of 10 French citizens over the age of 20 wear glasses. Children are also increasingly susceptible to vision impairments. Screen time appears to be an aggravating factor in eye problems emerging from a very young age. Digital eye strain—leading to eye irritation, dryness, and headaches—is becoming a significant concern: an estimated 70% to 75% of daily screen users suffer from these symptoms and may require appropriate corrective lenses to alleviate them.

Visionary professions: a sector with a bright future

In this context of the growing prevalence of eye diseases, careers in the optical industry appear to be an a promising sector for the future. Demand for optical equipment is steadily booming, requiring a significant skilled workforce across several fields.
From two-year associate degrees to Master’s degrees, including preparatory classes, numerous training programs and career opportunities exist within this sector: visual healthcare, opticianry, the optical industry, and optical equipment design and creation… Whether through initial post-secondary studies or professional retraining, a wide range of professional training options is accessible to everyone.

As individual vision evolves, the optical industry stands as a promising sector for the future, one that will continually require professionals eager to drive its development and dedicated to improving public health.