Dr. Paul Martiquet says you should always wear sunglasses outdoors during the summer.
Not all sunglasses provide enough protection
By Dr. Paul Martiquet
Summer sunshine is at its most intense which means staying aware of its effects. Protecting your eyes with sunglasses is especially important when the sun is so strong on so many days.
The sun produces many kinds of light, one which is of particular concern: ultraviolet (UV) radiation which is invisible, but carries more energy than visible light rays putting the eye at greater risk of damage. UV radiation increases the risk of developing cataracts which cloud the eye’s lens leading to diminished eyesight. UV has also been linked to macular degeneration, a treatable but incurable disease of the macula, a part of the retina that is essential for sharp vision. Sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation varies from one person to the next.
In addition, blue light from the sun can also damage the internal tissue of the eye. It can damage the retina over time leading to macular degeneration. Whatever the source, sun damage is cumulative — the more you are exposed to sunlight without protection, the greater your lifetime risk.
Always wear sunglasses outside
For anyone spending time outside, wearing sunglasses should be automatic. That includes your children whose eyes may be even more susceptible to UV rays. We should also note that there is plenty of UV radiation even on overcast days, especially at the peak of summer.
Choosing a pair of sunglasses that will protect your eyes is not especially complicated. The key is to look for the amount of UV protection being offered. Specifically, look for glasses offering 99 to 100% UV block. If the tag just reads ‘Blocks UV’ or the like is not enough — even plain glass blocks some UV. To get a pair that protect you do not have to spend the big bucks. More expensive glasses are not necessarily better, but the cheapest ones probably do not offer sufficient UV protection and will almost certainly have optical imperfections.
How much UV protection are you getting from your sunglasses?
How much UV protection you are getting is important. Clear glass and plastic lenses do filter out some UV naturally, and polycarbonate lenses themselves block nearly all UV. Generally, the level of protection against UV rays is dependent on the inclusion of the right chemicals either in manufacturing the lens, or added as a coating afterwards. This offers the maximum protection.
Thinking of darker lenses? Unless they have been coated with UV protection, they won’t do anything to help. In fact, by making pupils dilate more in the darkness, they could allow even more light and UV into your eye.
If you normally wear glasses, consider wraparound sunglasses, or perhaps clip-ons. At the very least, ensure they are coated for UV protection.
It might be nice to hear that “you look soooooooo good!” in those new ‘shades,’ but looking good and having effective protection are not necessarily congruous. All the fashion in the world won’t protect your eyes from ultraviolet light and the damage it can do. Look for that protection.
Dr. Paul Martiquet is the Medical Health Officer for Rural Vancouver Coastal Health including Powell River, the Sunshine Coast, Sea-to-Sky, Bella Bella and Bella Coola.
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