“Health is Wealth” is something we all teach our kids so that they learn to put themselves first, however many times they fail to learn it as we ourselves do not follow it. While we are constantly urged to take care of our health above anything else, it is a message not many of us take seriously. Many people in the UK are putting their health on the back burner, claiming they're simply too busy. A recent study reveals that one in five Brits are neglecting their own well-being, often skipping important appointments like eye exams, dental visits, and doctor's check-ups. In fact, three-quarters of people have either missed or postponed a health appointment because their schedules were too packed. Why Are We So Busy? The main culprits for these missed appointments seem to be work demands and childcare responsibilities. On top of that, the sheer stress of arranging the appointments themselves is another big reason adults avoid necessary blood tests or eye exams. This research, commissioned by Specsavers for Glaucoma Awareness Week, aims to shed light on glaucoma, often called the "silent thief of sight." What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that can lead to vision loss and even blindness. It does this by harming your optic nerve, which is like a cable at the back of your eye that sends images to your brain. The tricky part about glaucoma is that its symptoms often begin so slowly you might not even notice them. This is why it's often called the "silent thief of sight." The only way to truly find out if you have it is by getting a thorough eye exam where your pupils are dilated. While there's no cure for glaucoma, catching it early and starting treatment can often stop the damage and help protect your vision from getting worse. Don't Wait for Symptoms A spokesperson highlighted that it's easy to push check-ups aside when you feel fine and life is hectic. However, conditions like glaucoma can develop slowly without any noticeable symptoms. By the time you notice an issue, "irreversible damage" might have already occurred. That's why it's crucial not to wait for symptoms to appear; regular check-ups can help protect your long-term health. Initially, glaucoma usually has no noticeable symptoms. This is a big reason why about half of the people who have it don't even know it. Over time, you might slowly start to lose your vision. This often begins with your side (peripheral) vision, especially the part closest to your nose. Because this happens so gradually, many people don't realize their vision is changing at first. As the disease worsens without treatment, you may begin to notice significant blind spots and, eventually, it can lead to complete blindness. Simple Tasks Often Overlooked The study also found that busy adults often neglect other simple health tasks due to lack of time. These include getting a full night's sleep or drinking enough water. A significant number of people (one-fifth) admitted they've been so focused on work that they haven't taken proper screen breaks or even moved from their seats for long periods. Among those who don't prioritize their own health, 28% put their children's needs first, while 19% prioritize housework. Sadly, over a third confessed that only a health scare or a clear symptom would finally push them to book a delayed check-up. Many understand the need for appointments but find them easy to forget. Making Health a Priority Many Brits believe that easier booking systems (four in ten) or simply more time in their day (a third) would help them focus more on their health. Specsavers emphasized that even though schedules are busy, ignoring eye care isn't an option. A quick eye check every couple of years can protect you from serious long-term problems. Your vision is incredibly valuable and deserves your attention.