As summer approaches, many families prepare for outdoor activities, but it is essential to remember the impact of sun exposure on eye health. Henry Abna, himself an elder, made regular eye exams a family priority, telling his children and grandchildren how important they can be for preventing long-term damage. Specialists such as Dr. Lisa Christian of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science know that protective eyewear is essential to prevent eye injuries. Allison Scott, president of the Canadian Association of Optometrists, further explains that children are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of UV rays.
Abna, who splits time between the U.S. and the Philippines, knows from experience how essential sunglasses can be in sun-rich environments. As a parent, he acknowledges that he failed to provide this protection while raising his kids. Now, he’s not so sure about that decision.
The Dangers of UV Rays
Both UVA and UVB exposure can have serious long-term effects on eyes and vision. Dr. Christian warns that prolonged exposure increases the risk of developing conditions such as cataracts, a clouding of the lens in the eye. She explains, “The longer our eyes are exposed to UV radiation, the greater the risk of developing conditions such as cataract.”
Children are particularly susceptible to these dangers. Their enlarged pupils — which, in contrast to humans, were shockingly round — allowed more light to flood in. Kids’ lenses are less opaque, so they allow less UV radiation to be filtered out compared to adults. Dr. Christian notes, “Children’s eyes tend to have larger pupils and so more light is getting into the eye.”
Scott emphasizes the need to make sure children wear sunglasses, even if they put up a fight. “I know some kids don’t like wearing them,” she says. She tells Forbes that creating this habit from a young age can prevent some of those long-term pitfalls.
Choosing the Right Sunglasses
When choosing a pair of sunglasses, Dr. Christian suggests choosing sunglasses with 100% UV protection or UV 400. She clarifies that price does not always equate to quality in terms of protection. “The quality is important, but it doesn’t mean that the expensive designer sunglasses necessarily provide better UV protection than lower cost sunglasses.”
For Cathy Lumb, another grandparent, having experienced serious familial ophthalmological conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma. To be ready, she makes sure to have her prescription sunglasses accessible at all times, regardless of the time of year. “Regardless of the season, all year, especially in winter,” she emphasizes the need for constant protection against harmful rays.
She encourages patients to learn how to identify eye sunburn. Common symptoms include redness, photophobia and tearing. She explains, “You may notice that your eyes are red. It feels like something’s in your eye. You’re really extremely sensitive to light and you have a lot of tearing.”
Fortunately, these symptoms are usually temporary. Dr. Christian reassures patients, “Thankfully, just like when we get a sunburn, it doesn’t last forever. It is temporary. So we want to go ahead and avoid the sun when we’re feeling those symptoms.”
The Role of Routine Eye Exams
That’s why routine eye exams are key in catching UV-related damage before it progresses into something more severe. According to Dr. Christian, it’s through these routine check-ups that the first signs of sun damage can be caught early. “I’ll say to my patients I want to see an issue before you,” Scott reiterates the importance of proactive eye care.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists represents more than 6,000 members nationwide. They work to increase public awareness on the importance of eye health and sun protection. Through educational campaigns and outreach programs, they strive to inform families about maintaining eye health through proper protection and regular check-ups.
