ASO encourages perfect last-minute gift to ‘slide’ into Christmas stockings

The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) is encouraging the purchase of UV-blocking eyewear as the perfect last-minute stocking-filler gift for children this Christmas.

Sunglasses are not only a practical gift for children, but they can also aid in the prevention of future vision impairment, with those under the age of ten considered high-risk to develop eye damage from UV radiation.

ASO Vice President and ophthalmologist Associate Professor Ashish Agar said this cohort are particularly sensitive to the effects of sun exposure as the lens of a child’s eye is clear and more vulnerable to solar penetration.

He said encouraging preventative eye health habits early could lessen the risk of serious vision conditions later in life, including cataract, with ongoing research questioning the role of sun exposure in cases of macular degeneration.

“Summer in Australia is a time when we get outdoors and see what nature has to offer with some of the world’s best beaches and environment parks literally on our doorsteps,” A/Prof Agar said.

“What can often be overlooked when heading out and about, is that being ‘sun smart’ includes protecting our eye health — it is an issue that does not discriminate and touches all Australians.

“I see and treat many patients where sun damage has played a key role in the deterioration of eye health, so early education is crucially important to improve patient outcomes.”

A/Prof Agar said the sun safety slogan ‘slip, slop, slap’ is well known, unlike its expanded tagline that now includes ‘seek’ shade and ‘slide’ on your sunglasses.

“It’s essential that the generations of today and tomorrow understand the importance of eye safety and how it can safeguard their future sight — which you can start by gifting sunglasses this Christmas,” he said.

A/Prof Agar urged consumers to always check the label to determine the level of UV protection provided and not to be influenced by price tags when purchasing sunglasses.

“Sunglasses can be excessively expensive, but cost does not guarantee the level of UV protection,” he said.

“For suitable eye protection in Australia, always select and slide on close-fitting and wraparound style eyewear that meets the Australian and New Zealand Standard for sunglasses with a lens category of 2, 3 or 4.

“It’s important that eyewear is close-fitting and a wraparound style, as side light can result in unexpectedly high sun exposure levels for the eye.

“And don’t forget — for best practice when selecting headwear — a broad-brimmed hat will provide the optimum eye protection against reflected radiated rays.”

Categories of sunglasses and fashion spectacles according to the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1067.1:2016

       Source: Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1067.1:2016

Cataract

Cataract is a condition that causes clouding of the eye lens and progresses gradually over time. When left untreated, it can result in vision loss. More than 500,000 cases are diagnosed each year in Australia.

Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is an age-related condition which occurs from the deterioration of the central part of the retina. It is regarded as the leading cause of blindness and severe vision loss in Australia with more than 10,000 cases diagnosed each year.

Pinguecula and pterygium

Pinguecula and pterygium are growths that occur on the white part of the eye, known as the conjunctiva. Both conditions are caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation and worsened by chronic dryness or irritation — unavoidable challenges in our Australian summer.

A pinguecula can only be found on the conjunctiva and is often a small raised white- or yellow-coloured growth. Generally, it does not affect vision but can cause dryness, redness and inflammation.

A pterygium grows from the conjunctiva and extends onto the cornea, known as the surface of the eye, and can occur on either side of the eye. It is commonly referred to as ‘surfer’s eye’. These growths can cause decreased or distorted vision, but more commonly present with irritation, redness or the sensation of something in the eye.