Recent research reveals that six in 10 Australians are unaware that the sun can cause permanent eye damage.
While a significant 92 per cent of people are concerned about sun damage to their skin, only 35 per cent share the same concern for their eyes.
Children under 10 are particularly vulnerable, as the delicate skin around their eyes, combined with naturally larger pupils and a clearer lens, makes them more susceptible to UV radiation.
In fact, alarming findings from Dr Shanel Sharma, a paediatric ophthalmologist, show that one in three children already exhibit signs of UV eye damage by age 12, escalating to 80 per cent by age 15.
With the UV levels quickly rising Down Under, ahead of what’s predicted to be a long, scorching summer, we spoke with Professor Anne Cust, Chair of Cancer Council’s National Skin Cancer Committee, to understand why it is vital to protect our eyes from sun damage.
Why is it important for Australians to wear sunglasses, especially during summer?
It’s important that Australians understand what happens when they’re exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and how to protect themselves from it.
The sun’s UV radiation is the main source of skin cancer, and over exposure over long periods can lead to permanent damage of the eyes, including skin cancer around the eyes and ocular melanoma.
Repeated exposure of the eyes to UV radiation causes both short-term eye complaints and permanent eye damage.
The most common short-term impact of UV exposure to the eye is acute photo keratopathy, akin to sunburn of the cornea, which can cause inflammation.
Exposure to UV radiation over long periods can result in more serious damage to the eyes including squamous cell cancers on the surface of the eye and skin cancer around the eyes.
Year-round, most parts of Australia reach UV levels of 3 or above. It’s important to protect your eyes from UV whenever the UV level is 3 or above.
It is also recommended to wear sunglasses for certain activities such as skiing, boating and going to the beach, as snow and water are highly reflective surfaces.
Sunglasses can also be useful when the UV level is below 3 to help with sun glare and reflections.
How do sunglasses contribute to overall sun safety, along with sunscreen and hats?
Sun safety is important because Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with 2 in 3 Australians diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
By being sun safe, Australians can reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.
Sunglasses are one of the five forms of sun protection and should be used in combination with other measures including protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, sunscreen and shade.
Wearing both a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses can reduce UV radiation to the eyes by up to 98%.
The eye receives direct UV radiation when facing the sun with the sun low in the sky, however reflected and scattered light also have a strong impact in contributing to the total UV exposure to the eyes.
When the UV is 3 or above, we encourage Australians to use all five forms of sun protection:
- Slip on protective clothing that covers your shoulders, arms and legs.
- Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen.
- Slap on a broad-brimmed hat.
- Seek shade.
- Slide on sunglasses that meet Australian standards.
How do sunglasses contribute to overall sun safety, along with sunscreen and hats?
Sun safety is important because Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with 2 in 3 Australians diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
By being sun safe, Australians can reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.
Sunglasses are one of the five forms of sun protection and should be used in combination with other measures including protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, sunscreen and shade.
Wearing both a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses can reduce UV radiation to the eyes by up to 98%.
The eye receives direct UV radiation when facing the sun with the sun low in the sky, however reflected and scattered light also have a strong impact in contributing to the total UV exposure to the eyes.
When the UV is 3 or above, we encourage Australians to use all five forms of sun protection:
- Slip on protective clothing that covers your shoulders, arms and legs.
- Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen.
- Slap on a broad-brimmed hat.
- Seek shade.
- Slide on sunglasses that meet Australian standards.
What are some common misconceptions people might have about wearing sunglasses?
One misconception may be that darker lenses indicate UV protection. However, the colour or darkness of a sunglasses’ lens does not correlate with the level of UV protection.
It’s important to check that your sunglasses comply with the Australian/New Zealand Standard for sunglasses, specifically those that are categorised as 2, 3, or 4 for adequate UV protection.
Additionally, many people mistakenly believe that they only need to wear sunglasses on bright, sunny days.
However, UV rays can penetrate clouds and can be reflective off surfaces like water and snow, so sun protection, including eye protection, is essential whenever the UV level is 3 or above, regardless of the weather.
What should Australians look for when choosing sunglasses? Are there specific standards or certifications to be aware of?
Cancer Council recommends wearing close-fitting wrap-around sunglasses that meet the Australian Standards for sunglasses (categories 2, 3 and 4).
This is because these category lenses absorb more than 95% of UV radiation, preventing it from reaching your eyes.
Do you think Australians are generally aware of the risks of not wearing sunglasses? What are the biggest challenges in raising awareness?
Although many Australians are familiar with the risks associated with UV radiation, we know that they are not doing enough to protect themselves from skin cancer.
Only half (53.9%) of Australians are using three or more forms of sun protection, including wearing sunglasses, when exposed to the sun during peak UV times.
Our challenge is to ensure that sun safety messages encompass both skin and eye protection and emphasise the importance of using all five forms of sun protection when the UV level is 3 or above.
What is the key message you want Australians to take away regarding eye health and sun safety this summer?
This summer, we want all Australians to protect their eye health as part of their sun safety routine. Protecting your eyes from UV radiation by sliding on sunglasses that meet the Australian standards is essential for preventing both short-term discomfort and long-term damage.
Is there anything else you'd like to add or expand on?
It’s important for everyone, particularly children, to develop sun safe habits from a young age.
As children are more sensitive to UV radiation, we encourage parents to ensure everyone in their family is wearing appropriate sunglasses and hats.
Remember, protecting your eyes is as vital as protecting your skin, and taking these steps can significantly reduce the risk of series eye conditions in the future.
For more information or to download Sun Smart resources, visit https://www.cancer.org.au/
If you are experiencing changes to your vision or are concerned about your eyesight, you can use our Find an Optometrist search tool to schedule an appointment with your local optometrist today.
