High-definition-obsessed Southamptoners put TV sets before sight

New research shows Southampton's contact lens wearers choose picture quality over vision

New research by Bausch+Lomb[i], the global eye health company, has found the obsession with high-definition (HD) technology is clouding the vision of Southampton's contact lens wearers. Despite spending hours researching the specification of digital cameras or TVs, the majority will take just moments to choose their contact lenses.

Whilst over eight in 10 lens wearers in Southampton reported spending from one day to a week researching and deliberating which HD products to buy, they report spending relatively little time choosing products that impact their own sight1. Nearly all wearers (86 percent) spent less than an hour researching which contact lenses were right for them and many did not know why they had been prescribed a specific type of lens, stating the decision was left entirely to their optometrist1.

But when it comes to high-tech gadgets, the lens wearers of Southampton know their stuff. They are one of the most likely in Britain to be able to tell between the picture quality of HD and standard TVs, with well over half of Southamptoners (59 percent) stating they are able to tell the difference1. In addition, 82 percent reported owning the latest HD television sets and high-resolution digital cameras1. However their hunger for knowledge on entertainment technology just doesn't stretch to vision care products.

Southampton vision expert Vincent Clapham, Partner and Contact Lens Optician at Clapham Eyecare, commented on the findings: "These results show us that the people of Southampton have a fine eye for detail, value their sight and spend time making sure they choose the best technology. Unfortunately this interest towards high-tech gadgets doesn't transfer to things like contact lenses, which are actually more likely to help us get the most out of our daily lives, whether this be reading, driving or watching TV. This seems unusual to me, there are so many different types of contact lenses now available to help us visually get the most out of life, so there's no reason why we shouldn't apply the same passion for HD technology to choosing HD vision quality."

There is some good news for technology lovers which may help to spark an interest in their contact lenses. New types of contact lenses such as Bausch+Lomb's new PureVision®2 contact lenses with High Definition OpticsTM allow wearers to experience vivid colour and crisp, clear vision even in low-light[ii]. PureVision®2 HD contact lenses have an enhanced optical design to reduce spherical aberration, a natural occurrence that can cause objects to appear blurry or hazy with or without vision correction, offering wearers exceptional vision clarity and helping them to get the most out of activities day and night, from watching a movie at the cinema to driving home at night.

Vincent Clapham concluded: "I'd encourage anyone who wears contact lenses to ask about all the options of contact lenses available for their eyes next time they visit their optician. Who knows, next time you want to see your favourite TV programme in High-Definition maybe the answer will be a trip to the opticians and not the high street electronic store."

About Bausch+Lomb
Bausch+Lomb is one of the best-known and most respected healthcare companies in the world. Its core businesses include contact lenses and lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments, and ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. Founded in 1853, the company is headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., and employs more than 10,000 people worldwide. Its products are available in more than 100 countries. More information is available at www.bausch.com .

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