Comedian Jen Brister and staff at Brighton Specsavers, North St branch support launch of new comedy club to normalise common eye conditions in over 40s.
- 76% of over 35’s admit to displaying at least one of the signs associated with presbyopia despite over half of those believing their eyesight is good
- Headaches after reading, holding items at arm’s length to read clearly, and problems focusing are all common symptoms of the eye condition that is most common in adults over 40
- As a result of not seeing clearly, adults admit to struggling with reading maps (20%), seeing the bus number (19%) and have messaged the wrong person (12%)
- Specsavers has partnered with comedian and writer Jen Brister to launch its first ever comedy club ‘At-Arms-Length’, to raise awareness of presbyopia
BRIGHTON STAND-UP comedian Jen Bristers has joined staff at her local Specsavers to get her eyes tested. The visit comes as the comedian will be headlining a new comedy club next month to put the spotlight on a common eye condition in over 40s. By launching the ‘At-Arm’s-Length’ Comedy Club London , Specsavers aims to highlight the symptoms of presbyopia and encourage people to take action if they relate to any of the signs and behaviours.
This follows new research from Specsavers that more than three-quarters (76%) of over 35s admitted to displaying symptoms of presbyopia despite over half believing their eyesight was good.
Presbyopia is the gradual loss of your eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects and is a natural part of ageing. The research also found holding something at arm’s length to read it, increasing the font size on a mobile phone and asking to borrow people’s glasses were some of the most common behaviours people adopted to compensate for a change in their vision.
To normalise and bring to life some of these behaviours in a relatable and humorous way, Jen has crafted an exclusive sketch for the free event on Wednesday 24th April in London.
Jen says: ‘I’m excited to be partnering with Specsavers to launch its first ever comedy club. Every element of the event, from the bar menu to my sketch, is designed to raise awareness of presbyopia, so if you find yourself reading things at arm’s length or pulling weird faces when you’re trying to read something, then this is the perfect night out for you. Tickets to the event are limited so be quick!’
Presbyopia usually becomes noticeable in your mid to late 40s and gradually worsens until 65. An optician will check your vision in the same way as they would to determine whether someone is short-sighted or ‘myopic’.
Dr Josie Forte, optometrist at Specsavers, says: ‘Most of us will experience some effects of presbyopia as we age because of subtle changes in the lens of our eye. However, it really isn’t something to worry about, but it is important to see an optician if you experience any changes in your vision.
‘There are a variety of solutions on offer, including reading glasses, varifocals, multifocal contact lenses or a combination of both, depending on what you prefer. Your optician can recommend the best treatment for you, so we would recommend booking an eye test if you are experiencing any symptoms.’
According to the research, the changes to vision, can lead to some laughable blunders with those surveyed admitting to reading their bus number incorrectly (19%) or struggling to read maps (20%). Other signs include turning on the big light to read something, blurred vision when looking at an object and noticing perplexed expressions on your child’s face when you try to read things.
For more information or to book an appointment visit specsavers.co.uk/eye-health/presbyopia
Address: 49 North Street, Brighton BN1 1RH
Phone: 01273 328322
