Transitions Optical educating consumers during National Sight-Saving Month

May 9, 2006 - Understanding the hazards of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the focus of Prevent Blindness America’s National Sight-Saving Month in May, and educating consumers on how to protect their eyes year-round is the cornerstone of Transitions Optical’s consumer education initiative.

UV radiation is composed of invisible high-energy rays from the sun. More than 97 percent of this radiation is absorbed by the eye. There are scientific reasons to be concerned with how UV absorption by the eye may contribute to a number of serious eye conditions such as cataracts, hardening of the eye’s lens and macular degeneration, according to Prevent Blindness America, a leading volunteer eye health and safety organization founded in 1908, whose mission is prevention of blindness and preservation of sight.

“With summer just around the corner and UV index levels peaking at this time, it’s important that we heighten awareness of the dangers that UV presents to our eyes and the sensitive skin around them,” said Dr. Madeline Romeu, optometric doctor, fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and member of Prevent Blindness America. “But as UV radiation is present 365 days a year regardless of a sunny or cloudy day, it is critically important that both adults and children are vigilant in protecting their eyes year-round.”

One excellent method of protection for prescription lens wearers is photochromic lenses, according to Bette Zaret, vice president, strategic marketing, for Transitions Optical. “Transitions lenses are the No. 1 brand of photochromic lenses recommended by eyecare professionals worldwide,” she said. Transitions lenses are clear indoors and darken when exposed to UV light, blocking 100 percent of the sun’s eye-damaging rays and reducing painful, discomforting glare.

A recipient of the prestigious American Optometric Association Seal of Acceptance for Ultraviolet Absorbers/Blockers, Transitions lenses also recently became the first eyewear product to receive the World Council of Optometry’s Global Seal of Acceptance for Ultraviolet Absorbers/Blockers, which ensures the lenses provide the recommended amount of UV blockage.

A longstanding industry leader of consumer education, Transitions Optical last year launched "Eye Didn't Know That!" – an interactive exhibit, Web site and youth outreach program. "Eye Didn't Know That!" is designed to help people of all ages learn more about healthy vision, and the program's Web site can be accessed at www.eyedidntknowthat.info.