When it comes to protecting ourselves from the sun, especially here in the Okanagan, there’s one aspect that is often overlooked.
Our eyes.
While most of us recognize the importance of sunscreen to prevent skin cancer, many don’t realize that the strain that we put on our eyes with overexposure to UV rays has been linked to a variety of eye problems.
As a result, optometrists across B.C., including Vernon, are urging everyone to protect their peepers.
“On average Vernon has over 1,900 hours of sunshine in a year exposing us to higher UV radiation and damage from UV rays,” said Amanda Farley, a Vernon-based doctor of optometry. “We also have many outdoor enthusiasts in Vernon who spend time biking, swimming and skiing increasing exposure to harmful UV rays.”
While staying out of the sun or wearing a hat are good ways to avoid overexposure, sunglasses are equally necessary.
“Both the sun and water reflect UV rays upwards and increase the amount of exposure to harmful UV radiation,” said Farley, noting that rays also reflect off sand and snow. “Wearing sunglasses is one of the best ways to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.”
And it should start early.
“Most UV damage in life happens before the age of 18 when the eye is immature and the harmful rays can penetrate deeper,” she said.
Many eye diseases have been linked to UV damage, from mild annoyances to sight threatening or blinding conditions.
The most common eye problems linked to damage by UV rays which Farley sees in her practice include cataracts, pinguecula, dry eyes and macular degeneration.
“By protecting the eyes from harmful UV rays with sunglasses and hats, many sight-threatening diseases can be prevented,” said Farley.
One of the most widespread problems is cataracts, which are a result of the internal lens of the eye being damaged by UV light.
“Luckily, cataracts can be removed surgically and the vision restored. Conditions such as macular degeneration that causes a loss of central vision from damage to the retina of the eye are more permanent and the results can be devastating with most people eventually going blind from the disease,” said Farley.
When it comes to protecting our eyes, Canadians are fortunate as the government regulates that all sunglasses sold in Canada must be 100 per cent UV protected.
Therefore, the myth that cheap sunglasses don’t protect your eyes from UV rays is not true.
“However, there is a difference in the quality of vision and protection between inexpensive sunglasses that are not properly fit and those that are fit and sold by a professional,” said Farley, as sunglasses that are not properly fit to the face allow UV rays to get around the lens and into your eyes.
“I would also caution anyone purchasing sunglasses from outside of North America or online to ensure their sunglasses conform to UV protection standards.”
Wearing sunglasses and hats or staying out of the sun all help to protect the eyes but equally important are regular eye examinations to identify risks factors and any damage that has already occurred, Farley reminds residents.
“This is especially important for children as their immature eyes let more harmful UV rays through.”
Those who tan are also reminded that their eyelids are not enough to stop the harmful UV rays from causing damage to the eye.
“The best way to protect your eyes from UV rays while tanning is sunglasses or specialized glasses offered in tanning facilities.”
