Q&A: Proper protection needed to shield eyes from ultraviolet exposure
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Proper protection from sunlight and ultraviolet rays is critical for eye health and vision, and the easiest and most effective way to achieve this is by wearing a good pair of sunglasses.
The Washington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (WAEPS) shared information to motivate people to wear proper eye protection and to help ophthalmologists tackle this subject with their patients.
To learn more, Healio/OSN spoke with Courtney E. Francis, MD, president of WAEPS.
Healio/OSN: Due to global climate change, people are increasingly being exposed to solar radiation. What are the consequences on eye health?
Francis: Ultraviolet light from the sun can affect the eyes in a number of different ways. Cataracts can progress or develop from extended UV exposure. Additionally, certain types of growths on the surface of the eye, some benign such as a pterygium but also some forms of eye cancer, are much more common in patients with a lot of sun exposure. With climate change and more sun exposure, we anticipate these conditions to become more common unless patients protect themselves from harmful UV radiation.
Healio/OSN: What are the best practices for protecting your eyes from UV light damage?
Francis: The primary way to prevent UV damage to your eyes is to wear sunglasses. In addition, a hat with a broad brim can help block UV light. While spending time in the sun can be fun, and healthy to some degree, just remember everything in moderation.
Healio/OSN: What should people look for in a pair of sunglasses?
Francis: Not all sunglasses are created equal, and more expensive designer or polarized glasses do not necessarily provide better UV protection. The most important thing to look for is the label stating there is 100% ultraviolet A and B or UV400 protection. Dark sunglasses without UV protection could be more harmful because the pupils will not constrict in the dark environment, which can lead to increased UV exposure. Glasses with larger lenses or even wraparound frames provide the best protection.
Healio/OSN: What are some important but overlooked ways individuals can protect their eyes from UV light?
Francis: It is important to realize that cloudy days do not necessarily mean less UV exposure; clouds do not block UV light, and so wearing sunglasses even on overcast days is advisable. And there can be a lot of UV reflection from snow, ice, sand and water, which can cause photokeratitis. So, UV protection is needed year-round. Children should be encouraged to wear sunglasses as well.
Always remind your patients that they should never look directly at the sun, as that can lead to solar retinopathy and permanent vision loss. This is typically more of an issue during a solar eclipse, like the one that occurred in 2017, but it is a good reminder at all times as well.
Finally, those who use tanning beds should be made aware that UV lights are the same as outdoor UV, and so the same risks to skin and eyes are there. We typically recommend against the use of tanning beds given the potential health complications.
Healio/OSN: How can individual ophthalmologists and ophthalmology societies help to increase awareness on UV light damage and protecting measures?
Francis: The American Academy of Ophthalmology promotes every July as UV Safety Month. It is a great opportunity to remind the public on how to protect their eyes from UV radiation and excessive sun exposure. The Washington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons and other state societies partner with AAO to release information to our communities. Individual ophthalmologists can remind their patients to wear sunglasses, avoid prolonged sun exposure and counsel on other specific risks when patients come in for their annual exams, regardless of the time of year.
For more information:
Courtney E. Francis, MD, can be reached at email: courtneyfrancis1@gmail.com.
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