Sunglasses from childhood to reduce risk of cataract

According to Mrs. Maria Antonietta Blasi of the Ophthalmology Clinic at the University of Aquila and Vision Defense Commission (CDV) consultant, the watchword for protecting children's sight is 'prevention': sunglasses should be worn from early childhood to prevent problems when they are adults.

'Many eye disorders', Blasi underscored, 'are due to damage during childhood. Just to mention one, cataract: in the majority of cases, it is the result of damage caused before the age of 30'.

However, adults should also regularly wear sunglasses, especially those whose work exposes them to risk (skiing instructors, farmers and fishermen), people who live at low latitudes (like Australians) or high altitudes, those who suffer from chronic diseases, or those who have blue eyes and blond or red hair, the so-called fair-skinned phenotype.

'In 2004', Mrs. Blasi stated, 'a study was carried out on workers between 20 and 29 years of age whose work meant they were more exposed to the sun's rays. The result: in this sample, the risk of cataract was six times higher than normal'.

To protect the eyes it is essential to choose a pair of good-quality sunglasses that have the CE symbol and are equipped with the manufacturer's information leaflet.

As well as glasses, Mrs. Blasi also recommended other ways of preventing damage, not only from UV rays, but also from sun lamps (actinic keratoconjunctivitis, an extremely painful inflammation of the cornea and the conjunctiva, with photophobia and lacrimation): protect the eyelids with special sun creams; at the coast, wear a hat with a visor (children, especially), avoid going to the beach or staying in the sun during the hottest hours (from 11am to 4pm). Diet also deserves special attention: it should be balanced and rich in the antioxidants contained especially in fruit and vegetables.

(Source: Adnkronos Salute)