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Healthy eye survey February 2009

Nine out of 10 people consider their sight to be the most valuable sense with many feeling that it is the one they are most worried about losing according to new research. Yet the same study, commissioned by Transitions Optical1, highlights many examples that suggest good eye health is otherwise misunderstood or even ignored.

As sight problems are often very gradual, many of your patients fail to appreciate the value of regular check ups that could identify underlying conditions. Despite 77°/o of respondents mentioning they have a vision problem with 70% wearing corrective glasses, the number of people having regular check ups was staggeringly low. Surprisingly just 25% of respondents felt they should only go to an optician when they have vision problems.

SURPRISINGLY JUST 25% OF RESPONDENTS FELT THEY SHOULD ONLY GO TO AN EYE DOCTOR WHEN THEY HAVE VISION PROBLEMS

The research found that older people and women are most likely to go for regular check ups but only 41% of people visit the optometrist at least once every two years. That equates to around half that of those who visit the dentist over the same period [81%], Clearly demonstrating more concern for their oral health than eyesight.

Whilst the majority of respondents recognise that UV rays can cause damage to their eyesight, common misconceptions were identified such as reading in dim light and sitting too close to the TV. These were thought to be damaging to sight by the majority of respondents (65% and 57°/o respectively), however, a surprising proportion were not aware that bad nutrition (43°/o) and smoking (55°/o) can not only be bad for general health but also harm the eyes.

87% MISTAKENLY BELIEVE THAT MOST CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER TO PROTECT THEIR EYES

87% mistakenly believe that most care should be taken throughout the summer to protect their eyes, however 80% of invisible UV rays pass through the clouds2, meaning eye damage is a constant threat throughout the year, in all weather conditions.

Glare and light are mentioned by many as a key cause of headaches and whilst 80% of adults wear sunglasses to counteract glare, just 25% wear photochromic lenses. Most patients will need gentle reminders that they can protect their eyes with lenses that block 100°/o UV rays. Transitions VI lenses provide enhanced protection, not only blocking 1OO°/o of harmful UVA and UVB rays, but also providing UV 400 protection, to help preserve healthy sight for today and tomorrow.

References:
1. Healthy Sight Research study carried out in UK on In-half of Transitions Optical by IPSOS Health
(survey base of 1000) in February 2009,2. American Melanoma foundation

 


 

 
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