New research in the UK has revealed that 73% of adults feel anxious about eye treatment, more than any other body part.
The April 2026 survey of 2000 people, commissioned by Specsavers and reported in Vision Monday, demonstrated a high level of what the optical chain calls “eye anxiety”.
Specsavers said this fear can lead to delayed care for serious eye issues, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataract.
The survey showed that a third of Brits had been diagnosed with a serious condition but 31% postponed treatment. Over half of those waited four months or longer and 12% of those delaying care had gone on to lose their eyesight.
Concern over something going wrong during surgery was behind the delays for 34% of people, with a lack of understanding about the treatment (21%) another major driver.
Of those who did go ahead with the treatment, 60% said they wished they had done it sooner, and 73% reported improved well-being afterwards.
Specsavers said two million people in the United Kingdom were living with sight loss, which emphasised the importance of early treatment.
