A neglected problem: eye fatigue
More than 1/3 of Italians (37%) answer that their eyes often get tired, while only 27% state that they have never had problems on this account.
Despite this, only 9% has considered specific protective lenses. The criteria when choosing eyewear seem to be above all “lightness” and “design” (respectively 26% and 24%). The general impression we receive is that eye fatigue is not considered a pathological problem, but more a natural phenomenon which is dealt with generically by resting.
Poorly informed consumers
On the subject of lenses, however, 26% do not know what lenses their eyewear have, 23% are aware of AR coatings, 10% of the fact that lenses may be plastic and only 6% know about photochromic lenses.
When separating men and women, lens lightness is important for both, while AR seems more important for men, and infrangibility for women. Lightness is however the most determining objective feature for overall choice of eyewear (frame + lens) and is underlined by 26% of interviewees; the advice of experts -ophthalmologists (39%) or optician/optometrists (26%) is also important. The other criteria guiding choice are design (24%), which counts more than price (19%), while infrangibility is down to 13%.
Fashion as a reason for purchase
Fashion seems to be an impetus mainly guiding the choice of a frame but not that of eyewear as a whole. There is therefore a need to constantly inform consumers and also sensitize them on aspects more connected to eye protection and health, such as the adoption of suitable lenses to individual needs and lifestyles.
Little is done to protect children
As far as children are concerned, most parents (66%) state that they protect their children’s eyes (49% in the 5-8 age group; 52% in the 9-13 age group). Lastly, 17% of parents do not adopt any measures to protect the eyesight of their children. In reality, it seems that as long as they are young -i.e. more or less until they are 13 – the best protection against UVA rays is a hat!
More information, more education to prevention and protection
As already emerged in Phase 1, the research study carried out by IPSOS for Transitions Optical highlighted a fairly superficial attention by the Italian public to problems linked to eyesight, an inadequate adoption of measures to protect it and, even more, an endemic lack of information and “culture of visual wellbeing”.
This sounds like a pressing invitation to the industry, trade association and eye specialists – oculists and optician-optometrists first of all – to strengthen their commitment toward greater information, sensitization and education of the public on such crucial issues for the lives of all.
Found in Vedere International 2008
Certainly got us thinking here are work, expect a few replies later.