Canadians Need More Awareness of UV’s Danger to the Eyes
Transitions Optical has conducted its first consumer research study in Canada exploring ultraviolet awareness and protection habits. The study reinforces findings of similar surveys worldwide that, while the vast majority of consumers know UV rays can cause skin cancer, they are largely unaware of the sun’s danger to their eyes, demonstrating the need for education.
Good Overall Awareness
Compared to other countries, Canadians had higher overall awareness of the need to protect their skin. Ninety-two per cent of Canadian adults mentioned “cancer” on an unprompted basis as a harmful effect of sun exposure. This number surpassed what was documented in other countries surveyed.
In addition, when it came to knowledge about other dangers of UV exposure such as wrinkles and sunburn, Canadians showed an overall higher awareness than respondents of a similar survey conducted in the U.S. earlier this year. But despite higher overall awareness, only nine per cent of Canadians know that UV can harm the eyes, a level on par with other countries surveyed.
Just Say “Yes” to Sunglasses
Canadians respondents were also more likely to protect themselves from the sun: about four out of five report that they apply sunscreen, more than half wear a hat, and 33 per cent wear clothing to cover the skin when out in the sun for extended periods of time. However, only one in six mentioned that they wear sunglasses.
Public Education is Crucial
“This type of information will be extremely valuable as CNIB continues to expand our vision loss education and prevention programs,” said Wendy Gibbs, CNIB’s Vice President, Development and Communications and Development. “Protecting our eyes from UV damage is an important aspect of prevention and one that all Canadians should understand.”