Insights on Sight: Eye Health Habits in The Philippines

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1 2016 TRANSITIONS SURVEY REPORT Insights on Sight: Eye Health Habits in The Philippines 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 70% of our time indoors, Filipinos 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 metal halide lights. While most Filipinos understand the increased risk to our eye health, almost 40% of us are not protecting our eyes against the effects of UV light and glare. And though eyewear purchases have been made with pricing and aesthetics in mind, most of us are now more keen to consider performance and UV-blocking protection in our next eyewear purchases. Read on to find out more about how eye care and eye health feature in the lifestyles of Filipinos.

3 High Awareness of Eye Health Hazards 02 Almost 90% of respondents know that UV exposure from outdoor light can be harmful to eye health. More than 80% of Filipinos also agree that the sun, TVs and desktop/laptop computers are sources of eye health hazards. Over 70% are aware that metal halide lights and smartphones can also be harmful to eye health. 87 % The majority of Filipinos 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 87 % Desktop 84 % Television 82 % Laptop 82 % Smartphone 79 % Metal halide lights 72 %

4 Extensive Use of Electronic Devices 03 Electronic device usage in the Philippines is advanced. Close to 90% of Filipinos spend 4 hours or more on screens each day. Of these highly connected users, more than half spend 10 hours or more on their electronic devices. In addition, 94% of Filipinos use their smartphones just before going to sleep, with tablets and TV sharing the second spot at 81% each. ELECTRONIC DEVICE USAGE: NUMBER OF HOURS EACH DAY 32 % 55% 4 hours 8+ hours 13 % 0 hours DEVICE USAGE BEFORE BEDTIME YES NO 94 % YES Smartphone 69 % YES 81 % YES Television 67 % YES Tablet 81 % YES 50 % YES 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 Feature phone E-book reader Desktop Source: Department of Health 1

5 Constant Exposure to Outdoor and Indoor Eye Health Hazards 04 Over 90% of respondents from the Philippines cited their preference for spending majority of their time indoors on both weekdays and weekends. Though they spend most of their time indoors, much of their time throughout the entire day is spent on electronic devices. When it comes to spending time outdoors, most of them are out between 4pm to 6pm DURING THE WEEK 76 % of Filipinos spend time indoors throughout the day on weekdays INDOOR 2 4pm 3 68 % of Filipinos aged 18 to 34 clock more than eight hours a day of screen time. Filipinos also move between indoors and outdoors throughout the day: when walking, taking public transport or driving. OUTDOOR 7 5 6pm

6 Inadequate Outdoor Eye Protection Against UV and Glare 05 Around 4 in 10 Filipinos do not use eyewear that adequately protects their eyes from UV exposure or glare when playing an outdoor sport or driving. Only 12% make use of photochromic lenses to protect their eyes. Outdoor sporting activities 39% Do not use eyewear that adequately protects against UV or glare 44% Sunglasses/sports goggles 12% Photochromic lenses 5% Don t perform any outdoor activities Driving 46% Do not use eyewear that adequately protects against UV or glare 23% Sunglasses/sports goggles 12% Photochromic lenses 19% 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. Eye care professionals recommend yearly eye checks, but more than one quarter are neglecting their annual eye check-ups. FREQUENCY OF EYE CHECK-UPS FREQUENCY OF CHANGING/ UPGRADING/ PURCHASING NEW SPECTACLES 25 % At least once every 6 months 55 % Once every year 26 % Once every two years 2 % Never visited an eye care professional/practitioner in my lifetime 48 % 25 % Once a year Once in 2 years and above 19 % Once every 3+ years The Department of Health campaigns for a regular eye check-up across all age groups to raise early detection of eye diseases and push for proper eye care practices as a lifestyle. Meanwhile, the American Optometric Association recommends yearly eye checks for children and teens 18 and below, contact lens wearers, and adults 60 and above. 3 Source: American Optometric Association 3

8 Eyewear Purchase Decisions 07 The majority of Filipinos cite price as the main factor that will influence their next eyewear purchase. Despite this price-sensitivity, more than half of Filipinos own two or more pairs of spectacles. It appears that while majority of them use eyeglasses for corrective purposes - to treat myopia, farsightedness, and other related conditions - only 11% are using lenses that incorporate photochromic technology to protect and enhance their eyes/vision in varying light conditions. NUMBER OF SPECTACLES OWNED Own 2 or 3 pairs 47 % 47% Own only one 6 % Own 4 or more FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE EYEWEAR PURCHASE DECISIONS, IN ORDER OF PRIORITY UV Although 87% of Filipinos know that UV exposure is harmful to their eyes, UV blocking still isn t their top priority when purchasing eyewear. #1 Price of lenses #2 UV-blocking #4 #3 Professional Safety/Protection recommendation #5 Design/aesthetics

9 Measures Taken Against Eye Health Hazards 08 While Filipinos are extremely aware of the sources of eye health hazards, close to half do not take adequate measures to protect their eyes against UV rays and glare. I take measures that directly protect my eyes from UV rays, such as wearing photochromic lenses and sunglasses 52 % 5 % 43 % 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. 4 Refer to the last page for full reference sources 4

10 High Awareness and Opportunity for Photochromic Lenses 09 About 3 out of 4 respondents have heard of photochromic lenses, and agree that they are suitable for everyday use, indoors, and outdoors. The majority of respondents recognize the value of photochromic lenses to their daily lifestyles. Despite the improved eyecare protection and optimized vision enhancement that photochromic lenses can provide, only 11% of Filipinos own photochromic lenses. Close to 90% stand to benefit by upgrading their current eyewear. 75 % 11 % have heard of photochromic lenses of Filipinos own photochromic lenses 37 % Are aware that photochromic lenses are easily available in optical stores 77 % Agree that photochromic lenses are useful and recommended for outdoor activities 82 % Agree that photochromic lenses are suitable for daily usage, indoors and outdoors

11 Conclusion 09 Although Filipinos have high awareness of the impact of UV light on their eyes, this study has shown that many do not take sufficient action to protect their 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, Filipinos 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 The Philippines Research commissioned by Transitions Optical, 2016 Sources: 1 Department of Health. Eye health damage from excessive use of electronic gadgets ( 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 American Optometric Association ( examination/recommended-examination-frequency-for-pediatric-patients-and-adults?sso=y) 4 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. ( 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.