Transitions Research PH

2016 TRANSITIONS SURVEY REPORT
Insights on Sight:
Eye Health Habits in The Philippines
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 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.
EYE HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE SURVEY 2016, COMMISSIONED ONLINE IN MAY 2016 BY TRANSITIONS OPTICAL AND WE COMMUNICATIONS,
USING YOUGOV ASIA PACIFIC’S PANEL OF 515 RESPONDENTS FROM THE PHILIPPINES WHO USE SPECTACLES, AGED 18 AND ABOVE.
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.
The majority of Filipinos are aware

that commonly-used devices can be
hazardous to eye health:
87 %
Metal
Awareness of Sun UV Desktop Television Laptop Smartphone halide lights
are aware that UV exposure can

be harmful to eye health 87% 84% 82% 82% 79% 72%
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 DEVICE USAGE BEFORE BEDTIME YES NO The glare from
screens can
contribute to eye
94% 81% 81% fatigue and eye
YES YES YES strain. People
with existing eye
conditions such
as myopia are
also more prone
Smartphone Television Tablet to eye discomfort
32 %
from their digital
55 %
device usage.1
4 hours 8+ hours
69% 67% 50%
YES YES YES
13 % 0 hours
Feature phone E-book reader Desktop Source: Department of Health1
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.
12
11 1
10 DURING THE WEEK 2

68%
9 76 %
of Filipinos spend time
3
of Filipinos aged
18 to 34 clock
more than eight
hours a day of
Filipinos also move between
indoors and outdoors
indoors throughout throughout the day: when
the day on weekdays screen time.
walking, taking public
8 INDOOR 4 pm transport or driving.
OUTDOOR
7 5
6 pm
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.
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
Outdoor sporting activities Driving
potentially serious
39% Do not use eyewear that adequately 46% Do not use eyewear that adequately
eye conditions
protects against UV or glare protects against UV or glare and diseases.2
44% Sunglasses/sports goggles 23% Sunglasses/sports goggles
12% Photochromic lenses 12% Photochromic lenses

Refer to the last page for
5% Don’t perform any outdoor activities 19% Don’t drive full reference sources2
Frequency of Eye Check-ups and Eyewear
06
Changes/Upgrades
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.
The Department of
25%
At least once every
2%
Never visited an eye care
Health campaigns
for a regular eye
check-up across all
age groups to raise
6 months professional/practitioner early detection of eye
FREQUENCY OF in my lifetime diseases and push
EYE CHECK-UPS for proper eye care
practices as a lifestyle.
48% 25%
Meanwhile, the
American Optometric
Association
Once a year Once in 2 years and above recommends yearly
eye checks for
children and teens 18
and below, contact
FREQUENCY
lens wearers, and
OF CHANGING/ adults 60 and above.3
UPGRADING/
PURCHASING NEW
55% 26% 19%
Once every year Once every Once every
SPECTACLES two years 3+ years
Source: American
Optometric Association3
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 FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE Although 87% of

EYEWEAR PURCHASE DECISIONS, Filipinos know
47%
IN ORDER OF PRIORITY that UV exposure
is harmful to
their eyes, UV
Own 2 or 3 pairs blocking still isn’t
their top priority
47%
when purchasing
eyewear.
Own only one 6 %

Own 4 or more
UV
#4
#1 #2 #3 #5
Professional
Price of lenses UV-blocking Safety/Protection recommendation Design/aesthetics
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.
You may not know

it, but damage from
5% UV exposure builds
up every time your
eyes are exposed to
I do not do anything to
52 % protect my eyes from eye
the sun. In fact, UV
radiation exposure
health hazards
I take measures that 43% may still be high on
cloudy days.4
directly protect my
eyes from UV rays,
such as wearing
photochromic lenses
and sunglasses
I use indirect measures
of eye care such as
eye-related exercises,
and I avoid sources of
eye health hazards
Refer to the last page for

full reference sources4
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%
have heard of
11%
of Filipinos own
photochromic lenses photochromic lenses
37%
Are aware that
77%
Agree that photochromic
82%
Agree that photochromic
photochromic lenses lenses are useful and lenses are suitable for
are easily available in recommended for daily usage, indoors
optical stores outdoor activities and outdoors
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 degeneration5, 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 Ophthalmol5
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
(http://news.abs-cbn.com/video/lifestyle/10/10/13/how-too-much-use-gadgets-affects-eyesight)
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 American Optometric Association (http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/comprehensive-eye-
and-vision- 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;110,99-104
World Health Organization, The Known Health Effects of UV. (http://www.who.int/uv/faq/uvhealtfac/en/index3.html)
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.

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2016 TRANSITIONS SURVEY REPORT

Research commissioned by Transitions Optical, 2016

The majority of Filipinos are aware

are aware that UV exposure can

Feature phone E-book reader Desktop Source: Department of Health1

10 DURING THE WEEK 2

44% Sunglasses/sports goggles 23% Sunglasses/sports goggles

12% Photochromic lenses 12% Photochromic lenses

NUMBER OF SPECTACLES OWNED FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE Although 87% of

Own only one 6 %

You may not know

Refer to the last page for

Insights on Sight: Eye Health Habits in The Philippines

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