Sun Protection

Why is it important to protect my eyes from the sun?

Although it is common knowledge that it is important to protect your skin from the sun, few people realise that it is equally important to protect your eyes as they are more delicate than your skin.  Given Australia’s high levels of UV exposure, the impact of not taking proper care of your eyes can have long-term consequences.

When are my eyes most susceptible to damage?

1. During summer. The level of UV radiation in summer can be more than three times as high as that for winter

1. Around midday.  70% of the most harmful UV radiation each day takes place within three hours of midday

1. On the beach or boating. There is limited protection from the sun or sky on the water so you are exposed to direct UV from the entire sky

1. Skiing. Solar UV rays increase with altitude. Snow’s reflective nature also contributes heavily

How do I protect my eyes from the sun?

• As part of your daily sun protection routine, always remember to “slip on a t-shirt, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat and slide on some sunnies”.

• When selecting your sunglasses, ensure they carry a label that indicates they comply with or exceed the requirements of Australian and New Zealand Standards of 1067:2003 or are rated EFP 10.

• Polarised sunglasses provide the best protection from glare and wrap-around glasses are strongly recommended to minimise glare from sunlight impacting your eyes from multiple angles.

• Seek advice from an expert who understands sun protection and has a range of sunglasses available.

• Ensure you have the highest standard and quality of lenses to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them.

Other tips for sun protection

• A healthy balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables, particularly those packed with eye friendly nutrients such as lutein, vitamins C and E, omega 3 oils and zinc helps to protect your eyes from developing long-term diseases and disorders.

• Don’t buy imitation brands!  Under the Sunglass Standards of Australia, sunglass lenses are categorised from zero to four and most cheaper and imitation sunglasses don’t provide the necessary level of protection.

What are the effects of long term eye exposure to UV?

• Long-term exposure to eyes can cause damage such as macular degeneration, cataracts and pterygium, a growth of tissue on the white eye which, if left untreated, can cause visual loss.  Frequent sun exposure can also lead to skin cancer on and around the eyelids

• According to the Australian Government, over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause sunburn, skin damage and, ultimately, skin cancer. Long term exposure to ultraviolet radiation can also cause cataracts, a clouding in the lens of the eye which obscures vision as well as short-term eye damage such as snowblindness if the UVR intensity is sufficiently high.