Many of us remember the “no hat, no play” and “slip, slop, slap” messages from our schoolyard days. The recommendations for sun safety and our skin are well documented by the Cancer Council, but many of us forget about the impact that the sun and UV can have on our eyes. We sat down with Richard Shaw from Stacey & Stacey Optometrists to talk about sun smart choices and getting ready for summer this year.
Richard has been an Optometrist at Stacey & Stacey Optometrists for 8 years and has always had a passion for helping people and loves working within the Far North Queensland community. For Richard he has always been aware of the potential dangers of UV and eye health but says his interest spiked after he visited a dermatologist and they mentioned Queensland is the world’s capital for skin cancers*. Richard shares some of the common questions he and his team answer during summer to help keep customers eyes healthy.
How can we protect our eyes from UV?
The best way we can protect our eyes is with sunglasses, but that’s not just in summer that’s all year round. Sunglasses are great, not only do they look good and protect our eyes from UV, they also help prevent other eye conditions such as dry eyes.
Is it true polarised lenses are stronger and offer added protection?
No, polarised lenses do not provide extra UV protection they reflect glare and provide clearer vision to people who are wearing them – especially during activities on water such as fishing.
Can contact lenses help protect my eyes from UV?
Many people don’t know this but most contact lenses have a UV protection in them, so help protecting eyes. However, it will only protect our pupils and still leave other parts of the eye exposed including the skin underneath & eyelids.
*Source: Queensland Health, Young Queenslanders increase risk of skin cancer, 25 May 2018