AT this time of year the weather is normally getting warmer, harvest should be under way and we’d be looking to get the boat out again. While the temperatures have been low and the rain relentless, UV levels are slowly creeping up.
We all know the importance of putting sunscreen on our skin as temperature and UV levels increase heading into summer, but did you know your eyes are 10 times more sensitive to UV exposure than skin?
“The eyes are vulnerable to ultraviolet damage all year round, at all times of the day” says local optometrist Jenalle Pye. “Whilst is it the general understanding that UV exposure is highest between 10am and 2pm during summer, it is outside these times that the eye is most at risk. This is due to the angle of the sun in relation to the eye position.
“High UV levels are found when light reflects off water and at high altitudes such as when on the ski slopes. Rays also scatter off clouds, and research suggests that UV exposure from scattered light reaches the eyes in a higher proportion than direct sunlight. Short levels of exposure can lead to eye pain and irritation, but UV exposure over time adds up in the long term.”
Nearly half of all adults fail to wear sunglasses or UV protective lenses during summer, when UV radiation levels are three times higher than in winter.
“We find that that those 60-plus years in age rarely wear protective sunglasses, primarily because sunglasses weren’t common when growing up and it wasn’t habit forming to put on them on in their youth. It is this generation of patients that are most at risk to the accumulative effect of UV exposure, which can lead to aged macular degeneration, skin cancer on eyelids and around the eyes, advanced cataract formation, and growths on the eye such as pterygia,” Ms Pye said.
Some tips for protecting your eyes from UV damage:
• Form the habit of wearing UV protective sunglasses. Introduce kids to protective eye wear from an early age so that it becomes the norm
• Wear a wide brimmed hat when outdoors, and stay in the shade wear possible
• Polarised lenses are particularly useful for reflected glare, especially off the river and lake water
• When buying sunglasses, always check the swing tag and look for Australian standard – high category to ensure you are getting the best sun protection
• A high retail price for off the shelf sunglasses does not always correlate to better protection
• A close fitting wrap around sunglass, or frame with thick arms can help prevent UV exposure from the side of the sunglass
Call in and speak to the team at Swan Hill and Kerang Optical about protecting your eyes from UV exposure year round. Book online at www.swanhilloptical.com.au or call 5033 1424.
