A new survey conducted by the New England Eye Institute (Boston) and Transitions Optical (Pinellas Park, Florida) has found that only 5% of consumers are aware that ultraviolet (UV) exposure can cause damage to their eyes, the two organizations reported jointly in a press release.
The study also found that more than half (57%) of respondents said they do not wear protective eyewear when in the sun for extended periods. Those surveyed said they spend about 3.5 hours outdoors daily, which represents an average of 1,000 of unprotected UV exposure per year.
A total of 80% of respondents were aware of the risk of skin cancer associated with UV exposure, the organizations said.