New Survey Confirms Lack of Hispanic Consumer Awareness of UV Danger to the Eyes

Transitions Optical Finds 74% of Hispanic Consumers Know That Exposure to the Sun Can Cause Skin Cancer, Only 4% Know It Can Harm the Eyes

Tampa, FL--(HISPANIC PR WIRE)--June 12, 2006--While consumers are largely aware of the dangers that extended exposure to the sun can have on their skin, new findings reveal the overwhelming lack of awareness consumers have of the harm ultraviolet (UV) radiation can have on the eyes. The new survey(1) results, conducted by Transitions Optical, show that 74 percent of Hispanic respondents know that extended exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer compared to 64 percent of African-American respondents and 86 percent of Caucasian participants. Only 4 percent of the surveyed Hispanics knew that UV radiation can harm the eyes, compared to 7 percent of African-American respondents and 10 percent of Caucasian respondents.

Every day whether it is sunny or cloudy, and despite the season eyes are exposed to UV radiation from the sun. It is critically important that Hispanics understand that invisible UV rays are present 365 days of the year and overtime, they can be extremely damaging to the eyes, said Dr. Madeline Romeu, O.D., F.A.A.O., Because prolonged exposure to UV radiation not only affects the eyes, but also affects the sensitive skin around the eyes, we must be vigilant in protecting the eyes year-round.

One step people can take to combat UV rays is to wear photochromic lenses, which are eyeglass lenses that darken when exposed to UV light. Transitions(R) Lenses are the #1 brand of photochromic lenses recommended by eyecare professionals worldwide. Blocking 100% of the suns eye-damaging rays and reducing painful, discomforting glare, they are the single most convenient way to protect the eyes from UV radiation and glare all day, every day.

Transitions conducted this recent survey to further uncover what consumers know about the damage UV can cause and what steps they take to protect themselves. The findings will be used to shape and help support Transitions Hispanic consumer outreach campaign, which will continue to focus on educating about the need for UV and glare protection. More consumer UV awareness statistics are available upon request.

About Transitions Optical, Inc.
Transitions Optical is a joint venture of PPG Industries, Inc. and Essilor International. The first to successfully commercialize a plastic photochromic lens in 1990, today the company is a leading supplier of photochromics to optical manufacturers worldwide. Transitions Optical offers the most advanced photochromic technology and the widest selection of lens designs, materials and brand names.

Transitions(R) Lenses are as clear as regular eyeglass lenses until dangerous UV rays are present. Then, the brighter the sun, the darker they get getting as dark as sunglasses, providing protection in bright, glaring light. Since Transitions Lenses darken only as much as needed, they can be worn comfortably year-round to provide convenience and 100 percent automatic UVA, UVB and glare protection every day sunny, cloudy or in between.

Transitions Optical is dedicated to educating consumers about eye health and providing them with information to make informed decisions to protect themselves, including information on glare and the cumulative damage from UVA and UVB radiation which may contribute to serious age-related diseases of the eye and the skin around the eye.

For more information about the company and Transitions Lenses, visit www.transitions.com or contact Transitions Optical Customer Service at (800) 848-1506 (United States) or
(877) 254-2590 (Canada).

1. Survey conducted on behalf of Transitions Optical, Inc. from March 9-13, 2006 by ICR, Media, Pa.