British Public Putting Their Eyesight at Risk

LONDON - 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 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.”

Issued on behalf of: Transitions Optical

Issued by: DSA PR

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[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

Source: Transitions Optical

Contact: Sana Van Dal / Ceri Lynaghan, T: +44(0)20-7553-3700, E: sana at dsapr.co.uk OR ceri at dsapr.co.uk