#Japan #Tokyo #Eye Care #Yasuhiro Yamauchi #Vision Health

The Eye Health Crisis: A Generational Perspective

In today's digital age, prolonged use of computers and smartphones has become a part of everyday life. Despite this, many individuals struggle with vision-related issues without taking necessary precautions. Yasuhiro Yamauchi, a physical therapist who runs the popular YouTube channel "腰痛・肩こり駆け込み寺【山内義弘】" with over 1.2 million subscribers, recently conducted a survey focusing on eye-related concerns and care among 500 individuals aged 30 to 70 in Japan.

Survey Overview

The survey aimed to assess the current state of eye health and preventive measures across different age groups. Conducted online from July 14, 2025, the survey collected responses from a demographically diverse sample of individuals, offering insights into the growing prevalence of vision problems and the socio-cultural factors influencing eye care behaviors.

Key Findings

1. Glasses and Contact Lens Usage: Nearly 65.4% of respondents reported using glasses or contact lenses, with the highest usage seen in individuals aged 60 and above.
2. Vision Concerns: Vision deterioration was the most common concern among participants in their 30s and 40s, while individuals in their 50s and 60s primarily reported issues related to presbyopia (aging eyes).
3. Eye Care Practices: Over 42.4% admitted to taking no eye care measures, with younger individuals being the least proactive.
4. Future Anxiety: More than half of the respondents expressed worry about declining vision, indicating a significant awareness of potential eye health issues.
5. UV Protection Awareness: Despite the clear risks from UV rays, only about 23.8% wore sunglasses regularly during the summer.

Detailed Insights

Although 70% of the participants used corrective eyewear, a sizeable portion (41.4%) reported experiencing vision decline, particularly those in their 50s. Alarmingly, around 30% of respondents in their 30s exhibited early signs of presbyopia. Conditions like eye strain and dry eye were common complaints, especially among the working-age demographic who spend extensive time on digital devices.

While a significant 43.4% of respondents used eye drops as their primary form of eye care, a concerning number chose to adopt no measures at all. This trend underscores a broader apathy toward proactive eye health management, particularly among younger generations, where over half of those surveyed did not engage in any form of eye care at all.

As the survey probed future concerns, respondents overwhelmingly cited fears regarding vision deterioration, along with worries about potential diseases like glaucoma and cataracts.

The Importance of Sun Protection

Despite the serious implications of UV exposure, the survey revealed that many individuals do not prioritize sun protection for their eyes. Wearers of sunglasses during the year were surprisingly low, stating that a majority have poor awareness of the damaging effects of UV rays throughout all seasons.

Actionable Eye Health Tips

Yasuhiro Yamauchi emphasizes the importance of maintaining eye blood circulation to mitigate vision problems. Here are four practical self-care techniques he recommends:
1. Hot Eye Care (Contrast Method): Rub your palms together to warm them, then place them over your eyes, alternating between warm and cool temperatures to enhance blood flow.
2. Bone Vibration (Tapping): Gently tap the bony areas around the eyes, stimulating circulation without touching the sensitive eye itself.
3. Adhesive Bandage Technique: For those facing presbyopia, strategically placing adhesive bandages around the eye area can enhance the function of the ciliary muscle responsible for focusing.
4. Eye Stretching: Simply moving your eyes in different directions while keeping your head still can relieve tension and promote flexibility in ocular muscles.

In conclusion, Yamauchi advocates for regular eye health practices, including daily self-care routines focused on enhancing blood flow and preventing vision-related issues. "Taking just a minute each day for eye care can dramatically improve lifelong visual health," he asserts. This survey not only sheds light on the current state of eye health across various age groups but also calls for increased awareness and proactive approaches in eye care.

About Yasuhiro Yamauchi

Born in 1970 in Nagoya, Aichi, Yasuhiro Yamauchi is a seasoned physical therapist with over 20 years of experience. He aims to eliminate unnecessary surgeries and medications through his unique methods and self-care techniques. With numerous publications and a commitment to educating the public about physical well-being, Yamauchi continues to be a significant figure in promoting holistic health approaches.