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In Australia, around half of the population wears glasses or contact lenses, according to a 2015 report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The report also revealed that over 50% of Australians have at least one long-term eye health condition, with long- and short-sightedness being the most common. Interestingly, the rate of eye conditions is higher among females than males, and significantly higher among Indigenous Australians. More recently, there has been a rise in the number of Australian children requiring glasses, with optometrists attributing this to increased screen time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Australians wearing glasses or contact lenses | 48-54% |
| Percentage of Australians with at least one long-term eye health condition | 50-54% |
| Number of Australians with an eye health condition in 2011-12 | 12 million |
| Percentage of Australians aged 55 and over affected by an eye health condition | 95% |
| Percentage of Australians aged 0-14 affected by an eye health condition | 11% |
| Percentage of school-aged children needing glasses in 2020 | 21% |
| Percentage increase in high school-aged students needing glasses or contact lenses | 28.8% |
| Percentage increase in primary school pupils needing glasses or contact lenses | 9.53% |
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What You'll Learn
Nearly 50% of Australians wear glasses or contact lenses
According to a 2015 report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), nearly 50% of Australians wear glasses or contact lenses. This figure has likely risen in recent years, with the growing number of people suffering from myopia, or short-sightedness, due to increased screen usage and less time spent outdoors.
The report also revealed that over 50% of the population had at least one long-term eye health condition in 2011-2012. The most common conditions were long- and short-sightedness, with a notable increase in patients between 2011 and 2012. Long-sightedness rose from 22% to 26%, while short-sightedness increased from 21% to 23%.
Eye conditions were found to be more prevalent among females than males, and significantly more common among Indigenous Australians. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience higher rates of preventable blindness and vision loss than other Australians and are more likely to suffer from cataracts.
The need for vision correction in Australia is high, with 75% of adults requiring glasses or contact lenses, according to The Vision Council. This demand is reflected in the recent increase in optometry services, with a particular focus on children. In 2020, there was a 21% jump in school-aged children needing glasses, and a 28.8% increase in high schoolers requiring vision correction.
While the exact number of Australians wearing glasses or contact lenses may fluctuate, it is clear that a significant portion of the population relies on corrective eyewear. With the ongoing impact of digital screens and evolving lifestyle factors, the demand for eye care interventions and services is expected to continue rising in Australia.
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1 in 6 children aged 10-14 wear eyewear
In Australia, around one in six children aged 10 to 14 wear glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision. This is a notable proportion of young people who require vision correction, and it highlights the importance of eye care and regular eye examinations for this age group.
There are several factors that can contribute to the need for eyewear at a young age. One significant factor is the increased use of digital devices and screens. The early and prolonged exposure to screens can have negative effects on eye health, including the development of myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness. Myopia is a refractive error, where the eye does not bend light properly, resulting in clear vision for close objects but blurry vision for distant objects. The prevalence of myopia is projected to increase, with an estimated 5 billion people expected to suffer from it by 2050.
Additionally, spending less time outdoors can also impact eye health. Numerous studies have shown that time spent outdoors can reduce the likelihood of myopia. Therefore, encouraging children to engage in outdoor activities and reducing screen time can be beneficial for their eye health.
It is recommended that Australians have their eyes examined at least once every two years, even if they are not experiencing any noticeable symptoms. Routine eye examinations can help detect eye conditions early and track vision changes, making it easier to treat any issues. However, it is important to note that only about 57% of Australians are aware of the benefits of regular eye exams, and a significant proportion do not get their eyes tested regularly.
The demand for eyewear in Australia is evident, with the eyewear market volume expected to reach 80.6 million pieces by 2029. This reflects the growing need for vision correction in the country, not just among children but across all age groups. As Australia's population ages, the prevalence of eye conditions and vision loss cases is also expected to rise. Therefore, prioritizing eye health and practicing good eye care habits, such as regular eye exams and wearing corrective eyewear when needed, are crucial for maintaining healthy vision.
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21% jump in school-aged children needing glasses by 2020
The number of people requiring glasses has been increasing over the years, with nearly half of the Australian population wearing glasses or contact lenses. This increase is particularly notable among school-aged children, with a 21% jump expected by 2020. This rise in eye conditions among children has been a growing concern for eye specialists.
Several factors have been attributed to the increase in children requiring corrective lenses. One significant factor is the early and prevalent use of digital devices, both at home and school. The close-up work required when staring at screens or books can strain the eyes and contribute to the development of myopia, or nearsightedness. While reading books has been a common activity for children for centuries, the use of digital devices introduces a new level of proximity and intensity of visual engagement.
Additionally, genetics and environmental factors also play a role in the development of eye conditions. According to eye specialists, the combination of genetic predispositions and lifestyle choices is having a more significant impact on children's eyesight than in the past. The increase in screen usage across various age demographics is one such lifestyle factor that can negatively affect eye health. This includes the potential progression of myopia, dry eye, and digital eyestrain.
To address the growing number of children requiring glasses, eye specialists are recommending that parents closely monitor their children's screen time and encourage outdoor activities. Spending time outdoors has been shown to lessen the likelihood of myopia, according to numerous studies. Additionally, new treatments such as orthokeratology (Ortho-k) and the use of atropine eye drops can help slow the progression of myopia and reduce the need for glasses.
While the exact reasons behind the 21% jump in school-aged children needing glasses by 2020 are multifaceted, the combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, including increased screen time, is likely to be a significant contributor. By encouraging outdoor activities, closely monitoring screen time, and exploring new treatments, parents and eye specialists can work together to address this growing trend and ensure the best eye health for children.
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575,000 Australians experience vision loss
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, nearly half of Australians wear glasses or contact lenses due to eye problems. This is supported by data from the 2020 Vision Index, which shows that 66% of the Australian population wears glasses.
While the number of people requiring glasses in Australia is high, it is not reflective of the true need for glasses worldwide. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, 36% of people with distance vision impairment due to refractive error have not received proper eye care intervention.
In 2004, 480,300 Australians were estimated to have low vision, with 50,600 of those being blind. By 2020, 575,000 Australians experienced vision loss, with the largest proportion being aged 70 or over (nearly 70%). The number of people aged 40 or over with vision loss was projected to rise to almost 801,000 by 2020.
Vision loss in Australia is a significant problem, with 76% of low vision cases caused by uncorrected refractive error or cataracts, both of which are readily treatable. However, the prevention and treatment of macular degeneration pose a major challenge. Age-related macular degeneration is responsible for almost half of all cases of blindness in Australia.
Indigenous Australians, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, experience higher rates of preventable blindness and vision loss than other Australians. They are more than twice as likely to experience complete or partial blindness and are almost one and a half times more likely to have cataracts. Despite this, they are less likely to undergo cataract extraction surgery. Trachoma, the world's leading infectious cause of preventable blindness, still occurs in some remote Indigenous communities.
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Higher rates of preventable blindness among Indigenous Australians
In Australia, nearly half the population wears glasses or contact lenses, with 66% wearing prescription glasses, according to The 2020 Vision Index. This is due to eye health conditions that may be present from birth, illness, injury, or ageing.
Among Indigenous Australians, there are higher rates of preventable blindness and vision loss than among other Australians. This is especially true for adults, as Indigenous Australian children generally experience less vision loss, blindness, and refractive error than non-Indigenous children. However, this trend reverses by adulthood, with a three-fold higher prevalence of vision loss among Indigenous adults compared to non-Indigenous adults.
The leading causes of vision loss among Indigenous Australians are uncorrected refractive error, cataracts, and diabetic eye disease. Limited access to primary and other medical care, sub-standard living conditions, inadequate environmental sanitation, and poverty all contribute to the development of eye problems in Indigenous communities. Additionally, Indigenous Australians are less likely to undergo cataract extraction surgery and are less likely to have eye examinations, with over one-third reporting that they have never had an eye exam.
Despite these challenges, there have been some improvements. For example, the prevalence of blindness among Indigenous Australians has decreased between 2008 and 2016, from 2.8% to 0.3%. Additionally, the rate of cataract extraction surgery among Indigenous Australians increased from 5.6 per 1,000 population in 2010-11 to 7.3 per 1,000 in 2013-14.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), nearly half of the population wears glasses or contact lenses. This number has increased since 2015, with 66% of Australians reportedly wearing glasses in 2020.
There has been a growing trend of Australian children needing glasses, with a 21% jump in school-aged children needing glasses in the five years leading up to 2020. HCF Australia also reported a 28.8% increase in high school students needing glasses or contact lenses, and a 9.53% increase for primary school pupils.
Yes, eye conditions are more common among females than males, and much more common among Indigenous Australians than non-Indigenous Australians.
