Why do our eyes need protection in the sun?

Your eyes and the sensitive skin around them can be damaged if exposed to excessive sunlight. While cancer of the eye is rare, basal cell carcinoma of the surrounding skin is relatively common. Excess ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure may also lead to cataracts and a condition known as pterygium.

During peak UV radiation periods, which occur between early October and late March, especially between 11am and 4pm, the use of sunglasses is encouraged. Wearing sunglasses in combination with a broadbrimmed hat (minimum 7.5cm brim) or bucket hat (deep crown, minimum 6cm brim) can reduce the amount of UV radiation that reaches the eyes by up to 98%. Around highly reflective surfaces (water, sand and snow) sunglasses should be worn if practical.

Children and sunglasses

There is no agreement among ophthalmologists (eye specialists) as to whether children should wear sunglasses. On the one hand, there is evidence that overexposure to UV radiation early in life can cause a predisposition to eye problems later on. However, it appears that children also need some exposure to UV radiation in order to develop protection against eye problems.

A hat can help!

Hats are important! Use of a hat alone can reduce the amount of UV radiation reaching the eyes by around 50%. A legionnaire, broad-brimmed (minimum 7.5cm brim) or bucket (minimum 6cm brim) hat provides significant protection for the eyes. Children should be encouraged to wear a hat while playing outside.

Choosing sunglasses

A revised version of the joint Australia/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS1067 was published in 2003. The Cancer Society recommends buying sunglasses which are close fitting, wrap around and conform to this standard. Check the label for compliance.

SunSmart actions

• Please refer to the Cancer Society's website (details below under 'Further Information and Support'). 
• Discuss SunSmart ideas with other organisations to learn how they have become SunSmart. 
• Involve staff and others in exploring possible alternatives to current practice.

The Ultraviolet Index (UVI)

The Ultraviolet Index (UVI) is an international, scientific measure of the level of UV radiation in the environment. The higher the number, the greater the risk of skin or eye damage. The Cancer Society advises sun protection when the UVI is 3 or higher. UVI levels can be found in daily newspapers and on TV1's weather forecast (during the summer months) and on the SunSmart website www.sunsmart.org.nz.

Remember: wear sunglasses that are close-fitting and wrap-around and conform to the AS/NZS1067:2003 sunglass standard.

Original material is provided by the Cancer Society of New Zealand, 2007. Reviewed by everybody, January 2008.