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Protecting our eyes from sun damage
You may think that sunglasses are simply a status symbol worn by rock stars and Hollywood types. True enough. But sunglasses that shield the eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light through a properly fitted lens also help prevent the formation of cataracts.
Reflected light can cause an eye-burn
According to the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS), studies
show that permanent damage to the eyes can occur when they are not adequately protected from prolonged sun exposure. Reflected light in
particular—from water, sand, snow or pavement—can actually produce a burn on the surface of the eye. Frequent exposure over a
long period of time (years versus months) can lead to damage of the internal structures of the eye, including the lens and the retina. UV
light is also a risk factor for "macular degeneration," which leads to loss of central vision, as well as "pterygium" or a growth that
invades the corner of the eyes.
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What are cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. The lens, located near the front of the eye, may be partially or completely affected.
When the central part of the lens is cloudy, cataract surgery is required to remove the lens and replace it with an artificial one.
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Why sunglasses are so important
"It's very important to wear sunglasses outdoors," says Karen Wilson, a Toronto optometrist and primary eye care provider. "The amount
of UV light that we get exposed to indoors is about one-ten-millionth of what we get outside on a sunny day."
Which brings us to another point. Thanks to depletion of the ozone layer, the amount of UV light we are exposed to get higher and higher
each year. Cataracts used to be seen only after a lifetime of unprotected UV light exposure when people were in their 70s and older. Now,
however, children exposed to UV light levels today are at risk of developing cataracts in their 20s and 30s, says Wilson.
You don't just have to spend a lot of time in the sun to be at increased risk of cataracts. The Canadian Ophthalmological Society points
out that those at risk include people who live at high altitudes or near the equator (where the sun's rays are strongest) as well as those
who take photosensitizing drugs or certain antibiotics. These drugs can make your eyes as well as your skin more sensitive to sunlight and
thus more prone to sun-related damage, including burning and cataract formation. Limit your exposure to the sun when taking these
medications. If you're not sure whether a particular drug may cause you to become more sun-sensitive, check with your pharmacist.
So if you're headed outdoors to enjoy the sun this summer, wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more, a broad-brimmed hat and a pair of
sunglasses. For that matter, you should wear sunglasses on a sunny winter day, too!
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Getting the right sunglasses
To protect your eyes from prolonged exposure to UV light, the COS recommends that you:
- Check the label for the level of UV protection. Sunglasses that block 99-100% of UV light, including both UV-A and UV-B light are best.
Universal standards in the manufacture of sunglasses sold in Canada are not in place so all products must be labelled for how much
protection they offer.
- Invest in a pair of wraparound glasses or sunglasses with side shields to keep sunlight from entering eyes from the sides if you're an
outdoors type.
- Be aware that dark lenses do not necessarily provide good UV light protection. The same goes for expensive sunglasses. They may simply
be more durable or more fashionable.
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Should my child wear sunglasses?
The answer is a resounding 'Yes.' In addition to sunscreen applied 20 minutes
before going outside and re-applied frequently thereafter children's eyes should
be protected with sunglasses, says Health
Canada.
Check the UV Index daily
You check the weather report to see if it's going to rain, so get into the habit of checking the UV Index as well. The UV Index, which
is included with your local weather forecast, lets you know how strong the sun's UV rays are on any given day.
As of the end of February 2004, the Canadian UV Index was changed to comply with the new standards of the World Health Organization for
low, moderate, high, very high and extreme
UV Index levels.
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Can sunscreen be harmful if it gets in eyes?
In response to unsourced stories that have appeared on the Internet from time to time about possible damage to children's eyesight
caused by sunscreen, the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) says that it is not "aware of any risk of permanent damages to the eyes, in
children or adults, caused by contact with sunscreen."
Nevertheless, most sunscreens contain chemical-based products that will cause stinging and burning if they come in contact with the
eye. Should you or a child accidentally get sunscreen in the eye, the CDA recommends that you flush it with plain water for 10-15 minutes.
If irritation persists, see your family physician or ophthalmologist.
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Kristin Jenkins is a Toronto writer and editor who specializes in health and medicine.
