Sunglasses

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Why wear sunglasses?

Firstly of course, you want to look good. Secondly, your eyes and the sensitive skin around them can be damaged if exposed to too much sunlight. While cancer of the eye is rare, basal cell carcinoma of the surrounding skin is relatively common. In addition, UV radiation (UVR) is associated with cataracts and a condition known as pterygium. It can cause the short-term condition known as snow-blindness, which can follow a day's skiing without wearing appropriate eye protection.

A wide-brimmed hat can reduce UV radiation to the eyes by up to half, but good quality sunglasses provide considerably more protection. Ideally, the lenses should cut out 100% of UVR, but it is not just the lenses which provide protection.

The shape of the glasses are also an important factor. Up to 35% of UVR can come around the edges of ordinary spectacle frames. The glasses should be close-fitting and with large lenses and the best protection is provided by wrap-around styles. It is important to avoid small lens "John Lennon" type glasses because they offer less protection.

Standards for sunglasses

A revised  version of the joint Australia / New Zealand standard AS/NZS1067 was published in 2003. The Cancer Society recommends buying sunglasses which conform to this standard. Check the label for compliance.

Children and sunglasses

There is no agreement among opthalmologists over whether children should wear sunglasses. On one hand, there is evidence that over-exposure to UVR early in life can cause a predisposition to eye problems later on. However, it appears that children also need some exposure to UVR in order to develop protection against eye problems. Around highly reflective surfaces (water, sand and snow) sunglasses should be worn if practical.

A legionnaire, broad-brimmed or bucket (minimum 6cm brim) hat provides significant protection for the eyes, and children should be encouraged to wear one while playing outside. If sunglasses are worn, they should conform to the AS/NZS1067:2003 sunglass standard.

Remember: wear sunglasses that are close-fitting and wrap-around and conform to the AS/NZS1067:2003 sunglass standard.

Original material is provided by the Cancer Society of New Zealand.

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Abridged disclaimer ( full disclaimer is here ): This information is intended solely for New Zealand residents and is of a general nature only and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided and at all times should obtain specific advice from a health professional. All rights reserved. © CMPMedica (NZ) Ltd. This publication is copyright.