OPTICAL PRISM | FEATURE
I ’ m gonna soak up the sun – carefully !
BY DR . MICHAEL NELSON , FAAO , President of Canadian Association of Optometrists
As we see the hope of warmer weather after coming out of a Canadian winter , I think we ’ d all agree with Sheryl Crow ’ s encouragement to soak up the sun , but my professional experience demands that I add the caveat “ carefully ” to that suggestion .
While most people recognize the importance of sunscreen in terms of protecting their skin from ultraviolet ( UV ) light that results in burns or even cancer , many are likely unaware of the serious eye damage that results from UV overexposure .
WHAT IS UV LIGHT ? A type of electromagnetic radiation that we mostly experience from sunlight . It is linked to a variety of eye problems , including cataracts , degeneration of the cornea and abnormal growths on the eye ’ s surface . UV damage to the eyes is cumulative and usually irreversible .
Here ’ s a more jarring fact from the World Health Organization : an estimated 80 per cent of lifetime exposure to UV rays occurs before age 18 . 1
Why ? Well , despite the myopia epidemic , kids still spend more time outdoors than the average adult and they receive approximately three times the annual adult dose of UV . They also have larger pupils with clearer lenses , and neither they ( nor their parents !) take the same precaution to protect their eyes , like wearing sunglasses or hats , as they do for their skin ( sunscreen ).
UV exposure also isn ’ t just a summertime problem . Regardless of the season , UV exposure is nearly the same across all four seasons . And if you thought that clouds might have a role to play in limiting UV rays , think again - 90 per cent of UV rays penetrate right through them . They also reflect off surfaces like water ,
snow , concrete , sand and glass . Kind of recalls Corey Hart ’ s advice to wear sunglasses at night !
Not to worry though ; there really are ways to safely soak up the sun , at least from your eyes ’ perspective , whether it ' s summer or winter . Sunglasses provide an easy way to enjoy being outside safely and I would strongly encourage people to wear them all year round .
But caveat emptor – not all sunglasses are created equal and you get what you pay for . Cool frames are one thing ; lenses that protect your eyes are another . Don ’ t be fooled by glasses that are labelled “ UV protection ” unless that protection is 100 per cent UV-A and UV-B radiation , and make sure the colours on both lens match and are free of any imperfections or distortions .
Also , don ’ t forget about your contact lenses , as many contact lenses are now available with some level of UV protection . Although UV protection in contact lenses do not reach the level provided by sunglasses , they can be valuable in times when you are not wearing your shades .
And back to children just for a moment . Given what we know about their exposure to UV , remember to take steps to help reduce potential vision problems in their future . Consider sunglasses for them too and take the added precaution of a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap .
For babies younger than six months of age , use a canopy or umbrella as a sunshield .
So , go ahead – soak up that sun . Just make sure your shades are on when you do ! OP
1
Protecting children from ultraviolet radiation , World Health Organization , December 2009 .
32 OPTICAL PRISM | April 2021