Public lack knowledge about UV and CLs

People across Europe are unaware of the impact that UV rays have on the eyes, with UK awareness falling behind Poland’s, researchers have claimed. 

 

The online study investigated people’s views on the implications of chronic UV exposure and discovered a lack of understanding about the benefits of ocular UV protection, such as sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats and contact lenses with UV-blocking properties. 

 

Reported at the American Academy of Optometry meeting in Phoenix last week (October 24), the study found that UK consumers were less likely than those from Poland to recognise the importance of protecting their eyes compared with their skin, with 89% of UK participants and 93% of Polish participants agreeing it is important to protect your eyes and skin from UV.

 

Furthermore, two-thirds of participants from Poland were aware that some contact lenses protect against UV rays compared with just 26% of those from the UK. 

 

Researchers surveyed 700 contact lens wearers (400 in the UK and 300 in Poland) and 302 people considering contact lenses in Poland.

 

Author of the study, Anna Sulley, said: “Consumers associate UV exposure primarily with summer and sunny conditions, with few actively helping to protect their eyes from the transmission of UV radiation despite a high level of interest in trying contact lenses with UV blocking properties.” 

 

Additionally, 43% of UK participants who were not aware of contact lenses with UV-blocking properties said they were highly interested in trying them. 

 

Ms Sulley, who is associate director of medical affairs for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, added: “Lack of awareness of the all-day, all-year-long, all-weather risks posed by UV exposure to the eye, and the options available for protection, indicates a need for eye care professionals to improve communication methodologies on UV radiation and the eye. Practitioners need to educate consumers on how to protect the eyes against UV, and advise that this differs from that for skin.

 

“Contact lens and spectacle lens manufactures must also play their part in raising public and practitioner awareness.”

Tagged with: Contact Lenses