NEW YORK – Exposure to UV rays and harmful blue light are both on the minds of Canadians, but most people are more knowledgeable about UV, according to a new “Light and Eyewear” survey[1] from Transitions Optical, Inc.

When asked which types of light are harmful to the eyes long term, most Canadians identify sunlight (73 percent agree) as well as light from digital screens like computers or smartphones (56 percent believe this). An even greater percentage is interested in eyewear that provides protection from these light sources. When asked about their prescription eyeglasses, 84 percent of Canadians say that UV protection is important in their lenses, and nearly 70 percent feel the same way about blue light protection. Despite wanting this protection, there is a lack of awareness around whether their prescription eyeglass lenses block what Canadians want it to block. One in five Canadians is not sure if his or her eyeglasses have UV protection and half are uncertain about blue light protection.

The Transitions Optical survey revealed that only 8 percent of Canadians can correctly identify three common sources of harmful blue light (digital devices and screens, fluorescent lights and the sun). More specifically, less than one in five know the sun emits harmful blue light, when it’s actually the largest singular source, emitting over 100 times the intensity of electronic devices and screens. Scattered blue light can also cause haze and glare, interfering with vision and causing eye fatigue.

Click HERE to read the full press release.

[1] Online survey conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of Transitions Optical, Inc., among 1,002 Canadian adults, ages 18-69, between February 29th and March 10th, 2016.