Summer 2009 in good health!
Forty percent of Italians pay little attention to eye health. This figure emerged from recent research carried out by C.R.A. Customized Research & Analysis on behalf of the Commissione Difesa Vista. The precise survey about prevention and checking and correcting vision involved a representative sample of the Italian population. It discovered that only 60% of Italians, about 35 million people, wear sunglasses and only 52% believe that “they are essential for protecting the eyes from damage caused by the sun”.
Set up in 1972 with the objective of correctly and precisely informing people about subjects linked to eye health, the aim of the Commissione Difesa Vista is to convince the other 40% of the sample about the importance of sunglasses, that they are not simply a fashion accessory for use only in the summer, but a healthy, protective habit, a recipe for the wellbeing of our eyes at all times of the year and as important as a sun block for protecting our skin from UV rays! «The prolonged or improper exposure of our eyes to light that is too strong, especially ultraviolet light, could cause inflammation of the cornea and concomitant disorders such as cataract and macular degeneration», stated Francesco Loperfido, head of general ophthalmology at the Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences Surgical Unit of the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, and Commissione Difesa Vista consultant. “The sun is as damaging for the eyes as it is for the skin”.
Sunlight makes us feel good, but it must be taken in “doses” for the good of our eyes. Care must increase during the summer because the effect is more obvious, but it’s important to realize that UV rays are present throughout the year. The most damaging part of radiation are the so-called “high energy photons”. Ultraviolet photons pose a threat to the superficial parts of the eye - cornea, conjunctiva and lens – whereas the visible “violet and blue” photons together with UVA rays that are not completely absorbed by the anterior structures can also harm the retina. The parts of the eye that are most at risk from short wavelength radiation are the lens, the retina and, in particular, the central retina.
Conjunctivitis and keratitis are the immediate and most obvious reactions, but if the eyes are not protected by good-quality sunglasses that are certified on the basis of CE directives, the result could be long-term damage and much more serious disorders such as cataract and macular degeneration. And it absolutely must not be considered “a problem for adults and the elderly”. On the contrary.
«Wearing protective sunglasses must begin at an early age and continue for the rest of one’s life», Dr. Loperfido warned. «In this way exposure to the sun’s rays (ultraviolet and violet/blue light in particular) will be reduced to a minimum, the ageing of eye tissue will be slowed down and the onset of disorders will be delayed. Delaying the occurrence of disorders would eliminate cataract and macular degeneration, the major causes of vision defects», Dr. Loperfido pointed out.
Protecting the eyes must be a priority for everyone and for all ages. Even more so for children. «The action of UV rays on children’s sensitive eyes can lead to immediate disorders, such as karatitis, for example, which would make the eyes more susceptible to cataract and other alterations of the retina», Dr. Loperfido explained. In addition to a good book and sun cream, your luggage for summer 2009 – or any other time of the year (especially in mountain areas, for sport and when driving) – must include pairs of good-quality sunglasses for all the family, even the youngest members. The next stage is making an informed choice of sunglasses.
«If we’ve made the mistake of buying a pair of sunglasses from a street vendor believing that the problem would be solved, it would be better not to wear them», stated Vittorio Tabacchi, president of the Commissione Difesa Vista. «Instead of protecting us from radiation, they could cause other problems, such as an allergic reaction on the nose, cheeks and outer ear. That’s why my advice is to wear a pair of good-quality sunglasses made from non-allergic materials that meet all the health protection standards».
Apart from having poor-quality lenses that do not protect the eyes, uncertified sunglasses can also be the cause of skin allergies.
«Different substances in the lenses and frames are potentially allergenic», explained Dr. Claudia Pazzini, dermatologist at the Dermatology and Cosmetology Unit of the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. «Specifically, the nickel contained in metal frames is one of the main allergens responsible for eczematous dermatitis by contact. An important factor in the development of these allergies is the release of this substance onto the skin after coming into contact with the material».
Moreover, the skin around the eyes is very delicate and sensitive and sunglasses protect it from damage by UV rays. «UVBs can cause sun rash and reddening and have a role in the development of melanoma and skin cancer. UVAs damage the deepest layers of skin and are mainly responsible for actinic ageing or "photoageing" (and the appearance of wrinkles as a
