Vision Health Month Sees Bausch + Lomb's Active Support

TORONTO, May 2, 2016 /CNW/ - May marks National Vision Health Month. Launched in 2014, National Vision Health Month looks to encourage parliamentarians, non-profit organizations, educators and stakeholders to use the month to inform Canadians about eye-disease prevention and vision health maintenance.

One in seven Canadians will develop one of the four most common eye diseases in their lifetime: diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts and the most common, age-related macular degeneration (AMD).¹

Bausch + Lomb is a proud supporter of National Vision Health Month. The company is joined by eye care organizations and professionals across the country to advocate for eye health and increase the number of patients receiving regular eye exams.

Dr. Allyson Tang, an experienced optometrist in Vaughan, has recognized the impact technology has had on our eyes.

"While technology is empowering, it is also putting a large amount of stress on the human eye, she says. "We are seeing younger and younger patients with challenges such as dry eyes due to reduced and improper blinking when focused on digital screens. Complaints of digital eyestrain are rampant and we are seeing the onset of nearsightedness at an earlier age. Harmful effects of blue-violet light from digital screens have also been shown in studies." 

Beyond eye diseases, approximately 500,000 Canadians are living with significant vision loss that impacts their quality of life and every year, over 50,000 more Canadians will lose their sight.²

Dr. Tang reminds her patients, "Though we may have measures to manage these conditions, behavioral change and preventative care is still primary; we have to remember to go outdoors and leave technology behind from time to time."

"With over 4.25 million Canadians living with a serious eye disease¹ this is a timely opportunity to inform and educate Canadians about the importance of vision health", says Omar Martinez, Senior Brand Manager, Bausch + Lomb. "Our goal is to help Canadians see better to live better."

This May, select Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall and London Drugs locations will launch in-store activities in support of National Vision Health Month. Canadians are encouraged to visit their local stores and eye care professionals for more information on their eye health.

About Bausch + Lomb:
Bausch + Lomb, a Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. company, is a leading global eye health organization that is solely focused on protecting, enhancing, and restoring people's eyesight. Our core businesses include ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, contact lenses, lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. We develop, manufacture and market one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in our industry, which are available in more than 100 countries. www.bausch.ca.

References
¹www.newscanada.com. (n.d.). Serious eye diseases often go undetected. Retrieved February 17, 2016, from http://www.canada.com/health/vision/serious+diseases+often+undetected/8342904/story.html 
²CNIB. (n.d.). Fast Facts about Vision Loss. Retrieved February 8, 2016, from http://www.cnib.ca/en/about/media/vision-loss/pages/default.aspx      

SOURCE Bausch + Lomb

Media Contacts: Omar Martinez, Senior Brand Manager, Bausch + Lomb, P: [phone] or [email protected]; Caroline De Silva, Senior Consultant, Argyle Public Relationships, P: [phone] ext. 231 or [email protected]