Eyewear waste management: Issues and trends

Abstract

The most widespread disability in the world is impaired vision. Individuals in order to correct or to improve their vision problems they wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. Additionally, eyeglasses with colored or tinted lenses can protect the eyes from damaging or discomforting the eyes. During the 20th century eyewear (eyeglasses and sunglasses) from a practical necessity turned to a fashion accessory in their own right. Consequently, eyewear became a vehicle for design, individual expression, and enhancement of personal appearance. In eyewear market it is estimated that nearly three billion units are purchased every year. Eyewear are small and light items and it is difficult to imagine that their production and their waste generation may have a significant negative impact on the environment. This study demonstrates the findings of a research relative to eyewear waste management amongst the residents of the city of Thessaloniki (Greece). In this study 265 persons took part and they were: a) students from Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki (Greece), b)individuals (residents of Thessaloniki) and c) optical shops. The results from this study support that people need to have more and accurate information about eyewear waste management . © 2019 Parlar Scientific Publications. All rights reserved.