Insights on Sight: Eye Health Habits in Singapore We are constantly exposed to eye health hazards in our daily lives. From the sun to our constant use of computing and mobile devices, there are sources of UV exposure and glare everywhere. With our increased exposure to indoor and outdoor eye health hazards, our lifestyles require an optimal, practical and reliable eyewear solution. However, most of us are not adequately protecting our eyes. Find out more about our eye care and eye health habits, and discover the ideal eyewear solution for our constantly evolving lifestyles. 81 % Most of them are aware that the sun and commonly-used devices can also be hazardous to the eyes. of Singaporeans know 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 % About 8 out of 10 Singaporeans spend more than 4 hours on screens every day. Device usage before bedtime is high - extremely so for smartphones. I USE THESE DEVICES BEFORE BEDTIME NO 35 % 92 % 68 % 60 % 4 hours 8+ hours 23 % 42 % Smartphone Television Tablet 0 hours 51 % 37 % 21 % The glare from screens can contribute to eye fatigue and eye strain. How does glare affect you? Find out more. E-book reader Desktop Laptop 11 12PM 1 9 10 8 DURING THE WEEK 53 % 2PM 71 % of Singaporeans spend time indoors throughout the day on weekdays INDOOR OUTDOOR 4 3 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. 7 6 5 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. OUTDOOR SPORTING ACTIVITIES DRIVING 52% Do not use eyewear that adequately protects against UV or glare 48% Do not use eyewear that adequately protects against UV or glare 31% Sunglasses/sports goggles 22% Sunglasses/sports goggles 12% Photochromic lenses 10% Photochromic lenses 5% of survey respondents don't perform outdoor sporting activities and 20% of respondents don't drive. Did you know that photochromic lenses adapt perfectly to all your indoor and outdoor lifestyle needs? Whether playing sports or driving, Transitions Adaptive Lenses are the best way to see the world while caring for your eyes. Discover our lenses here. As most eye health conditions only show symptoms at an advanced stage, it s important to get your eyes checked regularly. Eye care practitioners recommend yearly eye checks, but most Singaporeans are going for eye check-ups every two years or less. FREQUENCY OF EYE CHECK-UPS 11 % At least once every 6 months Once a year 5 % 32 % 52 % Never visited an eye care professional/practitioner in my lifetime Once in 2 years and above FREQUENCY OF CHANGING/UPGRADING/ PURCHASING NEW SPECTACLES Find an eye care professional near you. 32 % 37 % 31 % Once every year Once every two years Once every 3+ years Although most Singaporeans say that price is the main influencing factor for their next eyewear purchase, most of them have also splurged on two or more pairs of spectacles. Instead of buying different pairs for different occasions, consider investing in comfort and protection with just one pair of spectacles that adapts to all your lifestyle needs. Find out why Transitions lenses are right for you and visit your eye care professional to discuss your eyewear upgrade. 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 #1 Price of lenses #2 Weight of lenses #3 Design/aesthetics #4 Thickness of lenses UV #5 UV blocking Despite Singaporeans high awareness of the sources of eye health hazards, less than half 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 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 The majority of Singaporeans require vision correction. Most of them agree that photochromic lenses are suitable for wearing at all times, but only 12% of Singaporeans wear photochromic lenses. 74 % have heard of photochromic lenses 84 % Agree that photochromic lenses are suitable for daily usage, indoors and outdoors 12 % of Singaporeans own photochromic lenses Experience photochromic technology through our 360 virtual viewer. 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 and reducing glare. Visit an eye care professional today and discover how our lenses empower you to pursue your passions and live Life in the Best Light. Are you ready to adapt? FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN TRY OR BUY TRANSITIONS LENSES NEAR YOU Eye Health and Lifestyle Survey 2016, commissioned online in May 2016 by Transitions Optical and WE Communications, using YouGov Asia Pacific s panel of 500 respondents from Singapore who use spectacles, aged 18 and above. 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. 2016 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. For further information on the impact of eye health hazards, visit: http://www.who.int/uv/faq/uvhealtfac/en/index3.html
Insights on Sight: Blue Light Awareness in Singapore What is blue light? Blue light Blue light appears as a range of colors from blue-turquoise to blue-violet light 1. On the visible light spectrum, it has shorter and more intense wave lengths than other colors. In small amounts, the blue-turquoise range of the light spectrum can actually have some beneficial effects on your overall health, helping to regulate your sleep/wake cycle 2. However, blue-violet light can harm our eyes 3 and cause eyestrain and fatigue. UV light is an example of non-visible light that is emitted from the sun. Visible light is light that our eyes see as colors violet, indigo, red, green, yellow, orange, and blue light. Click here to learn more about blue light. 8 out of 10 Singaporeans spend more than 4 hours staring at screens every day. Staring at Screens The rise of device usage means there s a growing array of light sources exposing us to harmful blue light both day and night. Yet did you know that devices are not the main source of blue light? The Greatest Blue Light Source The sun is the strongest source of blue light, many more times that of devices. However, only 20% of Singaporeans know that the sun is a source of harmful blue light. #DidYouKnow that blue light's short waves scatter more than any other colors, making the sky blue? The sun emits over 100x the intensity of harmful blue light than electronic devices and digital screens. Click here to find out more about how the sun can affect your eye health. Low Awareness is Concerning 36% Desktop Singaporeans knowledge of blue light sources: 37% Laptop 20% Sun 42% Smartphone 38% Television Harmful blue light can cause eyestrain and fatigue 2, with potential long term consequences. However, 41% of Singaporeans are unaware of blue light at all! Devices after dark 38% of Singaporeans are aware that blue light can affect sleep quality 2, but a majority still use portable mobile devices such as smartphones (93%) and tablets (60%) immediately before going to bed. Find out more about Singaporeans' device usage here. Despite the fact that blue light can be harmful to your eyes, only 19% of Singaporeans considered blue light filtering as a priority when they last purchased a pair of spectacles. Only 18% currently own eyewear which filters harmful blue light. Blue Light Filtering Lens Blue light However, 76% would consider buying spectacle lenses that can reduce the impact of blue light on their eyes and overall health. To upgrade your lenses for better protection, visit an eye care professional near you. Did You Know? Transitions Adaptive Lenses filter more harmful blue light than regular clear lenses. Although some clear lenses may provide indoor blue light protection, Transitions photochromic technology adds additional protection beyond your clear lenses. This reduces your exposure to harmful blue light both indoors and out. Amount of harmful blue light filtered: INDOOR OUTDOOR 1.4x more than regular clear lenses 2x more than regular clear lenses 8x more than regular clear lenses + reduce exposure to the sun s harsh glare How do Transitions lenses adapt to outdoor and indoor light? Find out here. Awareness of blue light is present but not high. Many Singaporeans know that our screens, LED displays, and digital devices expose us to harmful blue light, but are not taking adequate action to help protect our eyes. More troublingly, the majority are not aware that the sun is the most intensive source of harmful blue light. Aside from common sense protection such as avoiding the brightest times of the day and wearing hats for shade, speak to your eye care professional as to how you can upgrade your everyday eyewear and celebrate Life in the Best Light! Indoors, Transitions lenses filter harmful blue light from artificial sources such as digital devices and LED lights. Outdoors, they reduce exposure to the sun s harsh glare, harmful blue light and UV rays. Discover how our lenses empower you to pursue your passions and upgrade your favorite pair of frames with Transitions Adaptive Lenses today. Eye Health and Lifestyle Survey 2016, commissioned online in May 2016 by Transitions Optical and WE Communications, using YouGov Asia Pacific s panel of 500 respondents from Singapore who use spectacles, aged 18 and above. 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. 2016 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. For further information on the impact of eye health hazards, visit: http://www.who.int/uv/faq/uvhealtfac/en/index3.html Sources: 1. American Optometric Association, Light and Eye Damage. (http://www.aoa.org/documents/crg/blue%20light%20and%20eye%20damage.pdf) 2. 20/20 Magazine, Balancing the Blues (http://www.2020mag.com/l-and-t/45842) 3. In vitro photobiology experiments conducted by Essilor and Paris Vision Institute. Primary retinal pigment epithelium cells were photosensitized with A2E, a major component of the age pigment lipofuscin. These cells were then exposed for 18 hours to 10 nm illumination bands centered from 390 to 520 nm in 10 nm increments (+ illumination band centered at 630 nm). To mimic physiological light conditions, light irradiances were moderate and normalized with respect to the natural sunlight reaching the retina. (Arnault et al., 2013 PLOs One).
2016 TRANSITIONS SURVEY REPORT Insights on Sight: Eye Health Habits in Singapore Research commissioned by Transitions Optical, 2016
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.
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 %
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
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. 11 12pm 1 9 10 8 DURING THE WEEK 71 % of Singaporeans spend time indoors throughout the day on weekdays INDOOR OUTDOOR 2pm 4 3 53 % 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. 7 6 5
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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. (http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/protecting-your-vision/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;110,99-104. 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;110,99-104 World Health Organization, The Known Health Effects of UV. (http://www.who.int/uv/faq/uvhealtfac/en/index3.html) 4 National University of Singapore, Study Sheds Light on Child Myopia. 21 May 2012 (http://newshub.nus.edu.sg/headlines/0512/myopia_21may12.php) 5 Taylor HR, West S, Munoz B, et al. The long-term effects of visible light on the eye. Arch Ophthalmol. 1992;110,99-104 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. 2016 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.