CITYSunTimes Web Exclusives July 2009
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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Sunscreen For The Eyes
By Stephen Cohen, O.D.

Welcome to the “dog days of summer.” That term is associated with the hottest time of the year, but the term’s derivation actually comes from one of the constellations (Canus Major a.k.a. “the big dog”), and its particular positioning, coincidentally during a period of time in July and August…but that’s a discussion for another time.
With 315 days of sunshine annually, we tend to pay extra attention to protecting our skin from the potential ravages of Ultra-Violet Radiation (UVR). We consider things like “SPF” and UV “indices.” What we often don’t consider is the full effect the sun has on our eyes, particularly for our children, where up to 80 percent of lifetime UVR exposure occurs by age 18.
Surveys show that while almost nine out of 10 people understand that UVR can be damaging to our skin, nine out of 10 do not realize the potential damage that repeated UVR exposure can have on our eyes. Unfortunately, like skin damage, the effect of UVR to our eyes is cumulative, and may not show up for decades. For example, up to one-third of all cataracts are as a result of long-term UV exposure. There are also unsightly benign growths on the white part of our eyes that result directly from UVR exposure, as well as cancerous growths and potential retinal damage (e.g., macular degeneration).
Optimal UVR protection involves a hat with a brim, sunglasses and, where appropriate, contact lenses with UVR protection.
UV coatings in glasses and contact lenses are virtually clear. The degree of tinting (lens darkness) merely determines how much the visible light might be reduced. Although cheaper lenses can have adequate UV protection, they may distort vision as a result of inferior optics. Sunglasses should have three qualifications: ample coverage to protect the eyelids (one of the major locations for melanoma) as well as the sides of the eyes, good optics and adequate levels of UV-blocking. On another note, most contact lenses offer less than 10 percent UVR protection. However, there are now contact lenses that provide protection equivalent to sunglasses. These provide an extra level of protection from the UVR which is not blocked by the sunglasses (e.g., from the side).
This summer, while you’re looking for those few inches of shade or applying layers of sunscreen, give your most precious sense some consideration as well. In the long run, your eyes will thank you for it, and that’s nothing to “bark at”!

HEALTH & WELLNESS Web Exclusive | CITYSunTimes July 2009