EYE FOCUS | FEATURE
“It is important to wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from ultraviolet
radiation because the damage it can cause is cumulative and irreversible.”
Whether in summer or winter, wear-
ing sunglasses is the best way for
your patients to protect their eyes.
While the sun emits three kinds of
ultraviolet radiation - UVA, UVB and
UVC - the most damaging is UVA and
UVB. UVB radiation is only par-
tially blocked and can burn the skin
and eyes. UVA rays are not filtered
and cause the most damage to vi-
sion health, according to the World
Health Organization.
The number one concern about UV
eye exposure is vision loss.
However, The Vision Council reports
that 27 per cent of people say they
don’t typically wear sunglasses while
outside.
This is why reminders and advice
from eye care professionals can prove
vital.
“Make sure your patients are aware
of the risks of overexposure to UV
and encourage them to always wear
sunglasses when outside to protect
their eyes,” says Dr. Justin Bazan,
optometrist and medical advisor to
The Vision Council.
“It is important to wear sunglasses
to protect the eyes from ultraviolet
radiation because the damage it can
cause is cumulative and irrevers-
ible. Remember that if your patients
aren’t the best at wearing sunglasses,
it’s never too late for them to start.”
According to the Canadian Associa-
tion of Optometrists, an estimated
50 per cent of lifetime exposure to
UV rays occurs before age 18. That’s
because youth tend to spend more
time outdoors, have larger pupils,
clearer lenses and few wear sun-
glasses or hats.
Dr. Kirsten North, Canadian As-
sociation of Optometrists’ policy
consultant, says wearing sunglasses
that block UV rays will decrease the
likelihood of developing cataracts
and macular degeneration.
EYE FOCUS | June Digital 2019 13