Half of parents are turning to grandparents to help care for their children - as a fifth struggle with the cost of childcare.
A study of 1,000 parents with children aged one to five found 20 per cent rely on grandparents to care for their little ones due to the financial burden of nursery and formal childcare.
Grandparents are saving mums and dads £5,370 a year, stepping in an average of 97 times annually and helping families avoid daily childcare costs averaging £55 after funding is applied.
However, 61 per cent admitted they feel reliant on their parents remaining healthy and independent so they can continue to lean on them, despite 26 per cent of these being over 70.
With health issues, such as deteriorating eyesight, becoming more common as people age, 75 per cent worry this would make it harder for their parents to continue playing an active role.
Although, 49 per cent are noticing age-related health issues in their parents and 36 per cent have seen their parents’ sight worsen in the last five years.
Usman Hussain, consultant ophthalmologist from specialist eye care provider Newmedica [https://www.newmedica.co.uk/], which commissioned the research, said: “Grandparents are an invaluable source of support for families.
“With many taking an increasingly active role later in life, ensuring they retain good eyesight and remain healthy enough to provide this support is really important.
“In particular, we know that conditions such as cataracts become increasingly common as we age and if left untreated this can lead to a significant and debilitating sight loss.
“This could rob grandparents of these special moments while also leaving parents without vital support.
"The good news, though, is that the vast majority sight loss is preventable if picked up and treated early enough.”
The research also explored the benefits of the support provided, with it strengthening the family bond for 61 per cent.
Giving parents a break (43 per cent), learning from grandparents' experiences (42 per cent), and simply being spoiled by them (38 per cent) were also ranked among the biggest benefits.
Seven in 10 (71 per cent) agreed grandparents play a more active role than ever before in looking after their grandchildren.
Many said they were still involved in hands on activities like soft play sessions (25 per cent) and kicking a football around (15 per cent).
According to the research carried out by OnePoll, 81 per cent have even needed their parents to step in at short notice because of an emergency or unexpected work commitment.
The study also found if grandparents were to develop a worsening eye health condition, 79 per cent of parents would actively explore treatment options to help protect or improve their vision.
As 83 per cent were aware that most eye conditions causing sight loss are treatable.
Usman Hussain from Newmedica added: “The bond between grandparents and grandchildren is incredibly special, bringing families closer together and creating memories that last a lifetime.
“That's why it's so important that grandparents are supported to maintain their health and independence, including looking after their eyesight.
“For anyone who is noticing changes in their vision and is worried about sight loss, the most important thing is to get seen early.
“This gives the best opportunity for effective treatment, which can help grandparents stay actively involved in family life and continue supporting the people who rely on them most.”
