Insights on Sight: Eye Health Habits in Singapore

Transcription

1 2016 TRANSITIONS SURVEY REPORT Insights on Sight: Eye Health Habits in Singapore Research commissioned by Transitions Optical, 2016

2 Executive Summary 01 We are constantly exposed to a wider array of eye health hazards than ever before: ranging from the sun to device usage, and the added impact of our constant movements in and out of UV exposure. By spending substantial amounts of time indoors, Singaporeans may consider our eyes unaffected by the negative effects of short- and long-term UV exposure. However, eye health hazards are present everywhere through the constant use of computing and mobile devices, to the utilisation of LED lights. While most Singaporeans understand the increased risk to our eye health, a majority of us are not protecting our eyes against the effects of UV light and glare. Notably, our eyewear purchase decisions prioritise design, lens weight and thickness, rather than protective features. Read on to find out more about how eye care and eye health feature in the lifestyles of Singaporeans.

3 High Awareness of Eye Health Hazards 02 A sizeable majority of Singaporeans know that UV exposure from outdoor light can be harmful to eye health. At least 80% of Singaporeans also agree that the sun, smartphones, TVs and desktop computers are sources of eye health hazards, while more than half believe that LED lights and e-book readers can also be harmful to eye health. 81 % The majority of Singaporeans are aware that commonly-used devices can be hazardous to eye health: are aware that UV exposure can be harmful to eye health Awareness of Sun UV 90 % Television 82 % Desktop 82 % Smartphone 81 % E-book reader 63 % LED Light 54 %

4 Extensive Use of Electronic Devices 03 Electronic device usage in Singapore is advanced. About 8 out of 10 Singaporeans spend more than four hours looking at screens each day. Of these highly connected users, more than half spend eight hours or more on their electronic devices. In addition, 92% of Singaporeans use their smartphones just before going to sleep. ELECTRONIC DEVICE USAGE: NUMBER OF HOURS EACH DAY 35 % 4 hours 8+ hours 23 % 42 % DEVICE USAGE BEFORE BEDTIME 92 % Smartphone 51 % 68 % Television 37 % Tablet NO 60 % 21 % The glare from screens can contribute to eye fatigue and eye strain. People with existing eye conditions such as myopia are also more prone to eye discomfort from their digital device usage. 1 0 hours E-book reader Desktop Laptop Source: American Optometric Association 1

5 Constant Exposure to Outdoor and Indoor Eye Health Hazards 04 On weekdays, Singaporeans spend the most time outdoors between 12 noon and 2pm, when UV rays from the sun are most intense. Though they spend most of their time indoors, much of their time throughout the entire day is spent on electronic devices pm DURING THE WEEK 71 % of Singaporeans spend time indoors throughout the day on weekdays INDOOR OUTDOOR 2pm % of Singaporeans aged 18 to 34 clock more than eight hours a day of screen time. Singaporeans also move between indoors and outdoors throughout the day: when taking public transport or driving, when walking to lunch

6 Inadequate Outdoor Eye Protection Against UV and Glare 05 Around half of Singaporeans do not use eyewear that adequately protects their eyes from UV exposure and glare when playing an outdoor sport or driving. Only 1 out of 10 make use of photochromic lenses to protect their eyes. Outdoor sporting activities 52% Do not use eyewear that adequately protects against UV or glare 31% Sunglasses/sports goggles 12% Photochromic lenses 5% I don t perform any outdoor activities/others Driving 48% Do not use eyewear that adequately protects against UV or glare 22% Sunglasses/sports goggles 10% Photochromic lenses 20% I don t drive While glare is distracting and potentially dangerous, UVA and UVB rays may contribute to short-term vision impairment. In the long-term, UV exposure may even lead to potentially serious eye conditions and diseases. 2 Refer to the last page for full reference sources 2

7 Frequency of Eye Check-ups and Eyewear Changes/Upgrades 06 Regular eye check-ups are essential, as most eye health conditions only show symptoms when they are at an advanced stage. Most people in Singapore get their eyes checked by an eye care professional once every two years or less, and change/upgrade their spectacles even less frequently. FREQUENCY OF EYE CHECK-UPS FREQUENCY OF CHANGING/ UPGRADING/ PURCHASING NEW SPECTACLES 11 % At least once every 6 months 5 % Never visited an eye care professional/practitioner in my lifetime 32 % 52 % Once a year Once in 2 years and above 32 % 37 % 31 % Once every year Once every two years Once every 3+ years Most eye care practitioners recommend yearly eye checks for children and teens 18 and below, adults 60 and above, and those with common eye conditions such as myopia or presbyopia. This is consistent with the Health Promotion Board s guidelines on eye check frequency.

8 Eyewear Purchase Decisions 07 The majority of Singaporeans cite price as the main factor that will influence their next eyewear purchase. Despite this price-sensitivity, most Singaporeans own two or more pairs of spectacles. Eye health features such as UV blocking are relatively low on their list of eyewear purchase priorities, as they prioritise design and aesthetics and weight and thickness of lenses. NUMBER OF SPECTACLES OWNED Own 2 or 3 pairs 32 % 60% Own only one 8 % Own 4 or more FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE EYEWEAR PURCHASE DECISIONS, IN ORDER OF PRIORITY UV Although 81% of Singaporeans know that UV exposure is harmful to their eyes, UV blocking is a relatively low priority for them when purchasing eyewear. #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 Price of lenses Weight of lenses Design/aesthetics Thickness of lenses UV blocking

9 Measures Taken Against Eye Health Hazards 08 While Singaporeans are extremely aware of the sources of eye health hazards, less than half take adequate measures to protect their eyes against UV rays and glare. In fact, 16% do not take any measures to deal with eye health hazards at all. I take measures that directly protect my eyes from UV rays, such as wearing photochromic lenses and sunglasses 43 % 16 % 41 % I do not do anything to protect my eyes from eye health hazards I use indirect measures of eye care such as eye-related exercises, and I avoid sources of eye health hazards You may not know it, but damage from UV exposure builds up every time your eyes are exposed to the sun. In fact, UV radiation exposure may still be high on cloudy days. 3 Refer to the last page for full reference sources 3

10 High Awareness and Opportunity for Photochromic Lenses 09 The majority of Singaporeans know of photochromic lenses, and agree that they are suitable for wearing at all times, indoors and outdoors. Although the majority of Singaporeans require vision correction Singapore s myopia rates are among the highest in the world 4 only 12% of Singaporeans wear photochromic lenses. Whether your existing lenses are single vision, progressive or bi-focal lenses, you stand to benefit not just from improved eyecare and protection, but enhanced vision by upgrading to photochromic lenses. 74 % 12 % have heard of photochromic lenses of Singaporeans own photochromic lenses 58 % Are aware that photochromic lenses are easily available in optical stores 75 % Agree that photochromic lenses are useful and recommended for outdoor activities 84 % Agree that photochromic lenses are suitable for daily usage, indoors and outdoors Source: National University of Singapore 4

11 Conclusion 09 Although Singaporeans have high awareness of the impact of eye health hazards on our eyes, this study has shown that many of us do not take sufficient action to protect our eyes from UV exposure, glare and other eye health hazards. This lack of UV eye protection can lead to both short-term discomfort and long-term impact, including serious age-related eye problems and disease of the eyes (such as cataracts). UV light may also contribute to macular degeneration 5, the leading cause of blindness in people over 60 years old. Our need for eye protection goes beyond ad-hoc measures such as screen protectors. Given our use of screens throughout the day, as well as our frequent movement between the indoors and the outdoors, Singaporeans lifestyles require an optimal, practical and reliable eyewear solution, not just for holistic protection, but enhanced vision. Transitions Adaptive Lenses adapt to every light condition: they seamlessly change from clear to dark and every shade in between, and respond to multiple factors in the environment. In the same way that sunblock protects your skin, Transitions Adaptive Lenses help protect your eyes by blocking 100% of UV rays. They also reduce glare, which not only improves your quality of vision but also help diminish eye fatigue and eye strain. Transitions lenses are the perfect companion for our constantly evolving lifestyles they empower you to pursue your passions and live Life in the Best Light. Are you ready to adapt? Sources: Taylor HR, West S, Munoz B, et al. Arch Ophthalmol 5

12 2016 TRANSITIONS SURVEY REPORT Insights on Sight: Eye Health Habits in Singapore Research commissioned by Transitions Optical, 2016 Sources: 1 American Optometric Association, Computer Vision Syndrome. ( 2 Stenson S. Light, Sight, and Photochromics. 2002;9,10. Taylor HR, West S, Munoz B, et al. The long-term effects of visible light on the eye. Arch Ophthalmol. 1992;110, Stenson S. Contrast Sensitivity, Glare, and Quality of Vision. 2004;7. 3 Taylor HR, West S, Munoz B, et al. The long-term effects of visible light on the eye. Arch Ophthalmol. 1992;110, World Health Organization, The Known Health Effects of UV. ( 4 National University of Singapore, Study Sheds Light on Child Myopia. 21 May 2012 ( 5 Taylor HR, West S, Munoz B, et al. The long-term effects of visible light on the eye. Arch Ophthalmol. 1992;110, TRANSITIONS AND THE SWIRL ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS AND TRANSITIONS ADAPTIVE LENSES IS A TRADEMARK OF TRANSITIONS OPTICAL, INC., USED UNDER LICENSE BY TRANSITIONS OPTICAL LIMITED TRANSITIONS OPTICAL, LIMITED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. OTHER TRADEMARKS OR SERVICE MARKS INCLUDED ARE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS. PHOTOCHROMIC PERFORMANCE IS INFLUENCED BY TEMPERATURE, UV EXPOSURE, AND LENS MATERIAL.