OncologyBritish Public Putting Their Eyesight At Risk
- Nearly two thirds (59%) of the British public are neglecting
their eyesight, according to the results of a shock survey released
today.
- The independent survey[1], commissioned by Transitions
Optical, reveals that only 41% of the population go for an eye
examination at least every 2 years whilst 81% of us visit the dentist
over the same period.
- When polled on the importance of all five senses, sight was
viewed as the most valuable by the majority of respondents [93%] and
the one we fear losing the most [65%].
- Yet a quarter of respondents still think that they only need
to see an eye doctor when they have vision problems. Regular eye
checks, however, are a must since many eye problems have no obvious
symptoms and 50% of vision loss can be prevented with an eye exam.
- One significant area which is overlooked is exposure to UV
rays - only 7% were spontaneously aware that extended exposure to
UV rays could cause damage to the eyes[2]. Awareness increased to 75%
only when prompted.
- UV exposure can lead to a range of eye health problems
including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye
conditions that can compromise the quality of our vision. Damage is
cumulative, building each and every time our eyes are exposed to the
sun.
- A common misconception is that UV damage is only at its
highest in the summer, with 87% of respondents stating that this was
the case. However, even on cloudy days, up to 80% of invisible UV rays
can pass through the clouds, meaning that eye damage is a concern
throughout the year, whatever the weather[3].
The most convenient and effective way for spectacle wearers to
protect their eyes is to wear photochromic lenses such as Transitions lenses
which remain clear indoors and at night, but change tint to cut glare when
worn outdoors, boosting comfort and reducing eye fatigue. More importantly,
they also block 100% UV rays in all light conditions. Transitions lenses fit
in any frame and can be worn indoors and out. Visit
http://www.transitions.com for more information and for a 5 day UV forecast
in your local area.
Roland Allen, Business Director, Northern Europe - Transitions
Optical concludes: "With summer upon us, it"s great that everyone is aware of
the importance of protecting their skin by applying sun cream, now they need
to apply the same principle to protecting their eyes not just in the summer,
but all year round."
Rosie Gavzey, Optometrist and Director of The Eyecare Trust
says, "This research indicates that we are more anxious about losing a tooth
than an eye! Hopefully these results will remind people to pay more attention
to eye protection in the future."
[1] This is the fourth annual IPSOS Healthy Sight Survey commissioned by
Transitions Optical, monitoring consumer awareness about eye health issues,
carried out with a national representative population of 1000 people aged 18
or over in the UK.
[2] Healthy Sight Research study carried out on behalf of Transitions
Optical by IPSOS Health (survey base of 1001) in April 2008
[3] American Melanoma Foundation
Transitions Optical