Eye Protection (Sunglasses)
Most people are now aware that ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from artificial sources such as sun beds, has been linked to the development of skin cancer. But fewer people are aware of the connection between UV radiation exposure and eye damage.
UV damage to the surface tissues and internal structures of the eye (such as the cornea and lens) can occur from either natural sunlight or artificial UV rays. Staying out of direct sunlight does not provide full protection against eye damage, as scatter UV radiation is also spread by particles in the sky.
In the short term, excessive exposure to UV radiation from daily activities can burn the surface of the eye, similar to a sunburn on the skin. Exposure is made worse by reflections off snow, concrete, water, or other shiny or white surfaces.
Possible effects from UV radiation
Acute effects of UV radiation on the eye include:
Photokeratitis (snow blindness): a temporary but painful burn to the cornea
Inflammation of the cornea and the iris
Photoconjunctivitis: an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids.
Long-term exposure to UV radiation can lead to:
Cataracts: a clouding of the eye’s lens that can blur vision
Pterygiums: a white or creamy opaque growth attached to the cornea (white of the eye). These are usually non-cancerous, but may grow over the cornea, partially blocking vision, and may need surgery to remove them
Skin cancer around the eyelids: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common.
Sunglasses lower risk of damage
In order to reduce the risk of eye damage, sunglasses should always be worn outside, particularly:
During summer
At the beach or near water
Outside at high elevations
When participating in snow sports
If you have an eye disease, have had cataract surgery, or are taking medicines that make you more sensitive to the sun.
See Your Pharmacist or Medical Professional
If you have any sudden or severe eye or vision problems consult your doctor or optometrist
Your pharmacist can provide advice and suggest symptom-relief products for minor eye conditions or until you can see your doctor. Also see: Dry eyes and irritation and Conjunctivitis
Your pharmacist can also provide advice on sunglasses and what UV protection and other features different types offer.
Treatment Tips
Choosing sunglasses:
Wraparound sunglasses offer the best protection by blocking more light from hitting the side of the eyes, and reducing rain, sand, and wind effects
It is important to choose a style of sunglasses that you feel comfortable in and will be happy to wear
Higher priced sunglasses are not necessarily a better quality product (especially in terms of offering UV protection; be sure you are buying protective sunglasses rather than fashion specs)
All sunglasses sold must meet the Australian/NZ standard (AS/NZS1067:2003) - see Treatment options (below) for more detail
You may need different types of sunglasses for everyday use and for specific situations such as skiing
People who wear corrective lenses may consider having a UV protective coating added to their prescription lenses, investing in a pair of prescription sunglasses or buying protective shades that can be worn over their glasses.
Treatment Options
Sunglasses
e.g., Sunshades Eyewear (e.g., Le Specs, Polaroid, Fiorelli, Cancer Society, Glarefoil, Boyz Club, Girlz Club, Fish, Glam) Eyewear Design Limited, Pacific Optics Ltd, Signature Marketing Limited, Vision Select, Eyewear Imports (Live Eyewear /Cocoons), Zoya Sunglasses
Sunglasses come in a huge variety of colours, designs and specifications
Choose frames and features that offer good UV protection
Consider getting specialised sunglasses for specific activities.
Australian/NZ standards
This joint standard between Australia and NZ was issued in 2003 and defines five lens categories which manufacturers must adhere to. These categories give consumers guidance on the amount of UV protection that applies to the different grades of fashion spectacles and sunglasses for adults and children.
The standard AS/NZS1067:2003 sets colour limits for sunglasses that are allowed to be worn while driving. This means colours, in particular traffic signals, must still be recognisable when viewed through the lenses.
Five categories of lenses
The standard defines five categories of lenses:
0 – Fashion spectacles (not sunglasses). Very low sunglare reduction. Some UV protection.
1 – Fashion spectacles (not sunglasses). Limited sunglare reduction. Some UV protection. Not suitable for driving at night.
2 – Sunglasses. Medium sunglare reduction. Good UV protection.
3 – Sunglasses. High sunglare reduction. Good UV protection.
4 – Special purpose sunglasses. Very high sunglare reduction. Good UV protection. Must not be used when driving.
Eye protection factor (EPF) rating
The EPF rating allows different types of sunglasses to be compared to each other, and takes into account the frame coverage, UV protection, blue light and infrared protection (ability to shield the eyes from heat)
It is a rating scale of 1 to 10. Sunglasses with an EPF rating of 9 or 10 block almost all UV radiation. Sunglasses labelled ‘EPF 10’ exceed the requirements of AS/NZS 1067
Sunglasses may also be labelled “Absorbs 100% UVR [UV radiation]”.
SUNGLASS FEATURES
Types of Frames
Moulded plastic polymer: Plastic injected into a desired mould. Cost-effective but frames cannot be reheated or generally take a prescription lens.
Cellulose acetate: Frames are cut from solid sheets of acetate. Retain their shape and do not shrink. Hypoallergenic and easily coloured.
Metal/wire/monel: Lighter than plastic and easy to adjust. Less obtrusive to the field of vision. Monel is a rust-proof metal alloy, composed of nickel and copper with some traces of iron. More expensive and less durable than other types and not for high-impact activities. Can get hot.
Types of Lens
Poly-carbonate: Expensive, virtually unbreakable thermoplastic that is 1/3rd the weight of acrylic and 1/6th as heavy as glass. Usually made from bisphenol A. Excellent transparency, durability, and high refractive index. Optically superior to acrylic. Can be made thinner than glass or conventional plastic. Polarising filters can be incorporated into the plastic. High impact resistance. Easily shaped.
CR39 Patented plastic polymer: Reasonably cheap. Same optical qualities and visual acuity as glass but more lightweight and impact resistant. Optically superior to polycarbonate. High glossy surface finish.
Plastic: Light and impact resistant. Naturally UVR resistant.
Acrylic: Synthetic cast lens. Same optical qualities and visual acuity as glass but more lightweight and 20 times more impact resistant. Can crack when exposed to extreme temperatures. More easily scratched than other lenses since softer. Good optical qualities at a low price.
Glass: Excellent optical quality and scratch resistant. Heavy. Can shatter on impact, may damage eye. Provides NO UVR protection unless coated.
Lens effects
Mirrored: Reduce glare by reflecting light off the lens surface. Scratch easily as coating applied last.
Photochromatic/photochromic: Become darker when exposed to UV radiation. Can take up to two minutes for adjustment to happen, and may not darken inside vehicles with glass that blocks UV light.
Polarised: Block glare, reducing eye fatigue and eyestrain. Enhance visual acuity. Recommended for water and snow sports (e.g., fishing, skiing). Cost and optical quality depends on polarising method used and includes external film coating (cheapest); sandwiching polarising filter between layers of the lens (more durable and expensive); combining the polarising filter with the lens material while in liquid form (latest technology - best optical quality).
Tinted: Tint reduces visible light but does not provide protection from UVR. May affect ability to drive at night. Various tints are available:
Brown, Grey, Green tints - reduce brightness, but do not distort colour. Cut out glare and reduce eye strain in moderate-to-bright conditions.
Yellow/Gold/Amber tints - less glare protection but perfect for moderate-to-low level light conditions. Excellent depth perception; perfect for skiing, snowboarding and other snow sports. Also enhance contrasts in flat-light conditions.
Rose/Vermillion tints - provide excellent low-light visibility. Perfect for skiing and snowboarding in cloudy conditions. Enhance visibility of objects against blue and green backgrounds - good for driving or hiking through forested areas.
Hydrophobic coatings: Repel water.
Anti-scratch coatings: Improve durability.
Anti-fog coatings: Good for high-energy activities.
Other features and components
Reduce fogging: ‘Air dams’ direct the flow of air over the inside of the lenses. Small ventilator holes can also reduce fogging.
Hinges: Metal are more durable than plastic.
Grips: Rubber nose or ear pieces help keep sunglasses from sliding down nose.
Side protection: Wide plastic temples and wraparound lenses give more protection from dust, snow, wind, rain and glare that may come in from the side.
