A study of 2,000 adults found those living in the capital often feel stressed (35 per cent) and tired (31 per cent) as a result, while 72 per cent are concerned about pollution levels on the network.
The average commuter clocks up 23 minutes a week waiting for their train, followed by two hours 55 minutes travelling on it.
But it’s not just their energy levels taking a hit, as 65 per cent of Londoners regularly rub their eyes while travelling.
Three-quarters added commuting on the Underground negatively impacts their eye health.
And after a long day on the Tube, travellers report their eyes feeling dry (19 per cent) and strained (18 per cent).
The study was commissioned by Specsavers, and its eye health expert Dr Nigel Best has warned that this can contribute to the rise in dry, itchy, scratchy, cloudy and gooey eyes – all symptoms of a medical eye condition.
In fact, the optician has seen a year-on-year rise in these kinds of complaints in London alone – and has enlisted The Beatbox Collective to spark conversation around everyday eye health.
Dr Nigel Best said: “The environment of the London Underground poses several challenges for eye health.
“Prolonged exposure to dry air, fluctuating temperatures, airborne pollutants, and poor ventilation can disrupt the tear film that protects the surface of the eyes.
That’s your sunglasses worn for another year…
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“Many commuters also spend this time looking at their phones or other screens, which reduces blink rate and increases the risk of digital eye strain.
“When combined with the environmental factors, this creates a perfect storm for eye discomfort and potential long-term issues.
“These repeated daily exposures can contribute to the development or worsening of conditions like dry eye syndrome, particularly in individuals already prone to sensitivities.
“If left unmanaged, these symptoms can begin to affect vision clarity and comfort, while in more severe cases, chronic eye surface damage can occur.
“That’s why early intervention and consistent eye care – including regular testing and protective habits – are so important.”
The research also uncovered 41 per cent sit too close to screens, 37 per cent allow sweat in their eyes during exercise, and 39 per cent skip washing their face before bed.
With 42 per cent of Londoners also admitting they don’t wear sunglasses on sunny days.
Only 29 per cent get their eyes tested regularly, while just 33 per cent follow a consistent eye care routine.
Consequently, 64 per cent wake up with puffy eyes, 37 per cent often notice theirs are bloodshot, and 35 per cent report inflammation around the eyes in the morning.
And 58 per cent say their eyes feel itchy when they get out of bed.
Many put these symptoms down to lack of sleep (54 per cent) or stress (41 per cent).
While others believe screen exposure (38 per cent) or using their phones in the dark (25 per cent) could be contributing.
In fact, the average Londoner spends 34 minutes scrolling on their phone during a typical late-night session, according to the survey conducted via OnePoll.
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Dr Nigel Best from Specsavers added: “Eye care isn’t just about vision – it’s about health and comfort too.
“The more we push our eyes without giving them TLC, the more problems we’ll face later.
“Many people are unaware that they can visit their optician rather than their GP for medical eye conditions.
“For simple day to day eye care tips, using eye drops, following the 20-20-20 rule and getting enough sleep can make a big difference.”
