Expert warns Yorkshire residents to protect eyes in sun, amid online misinformation

In response, Dr Alex Silvester, SpaMedica’s Chief Medical Officer, is debunking the most common misconceptions about sunglasses and UV protection, ahead of Cataract Awareness Month in June.

He said: “Our eyes are ten times more sensitive to the sun’s invisible UV rays than skin, and prolonged exposure can cause corneal damage, increase the risk of developing conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, and lead to long term issues with eyesight.

“That’s why wearing the right sunglasses is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself year-round.

“Studies have shown that nearly half of all people who purchase sunglasses don’t check the UV rating before they do. This is the most important factor to check when buying new sunglasses,” says Dr Silvester.

“The claim of sunglasses being harmful stems from the fact that the tint on sunglasses causes pupils to dilate slightly to let more light in. But as long as lenses are UV protected, they will filter UV rays and cannot damage vision. Only non-UV filtered sunglasses pose any danger.”

SpaMedica’s top tips for purchasing sunglasses

• Purchase a pair of sunglasses that provide a high degree of UV protection and are marked as 100% UV protection / CE UV400.
• Ensure your sunglasses cover your eyes completely – wraparound sunglasses protect your eyes from the side as well as the front, so they’re ideal.
• Check that your sunglasses offer at least 80% protection from high-energy visible (HEV) rays.

“This Cataract Awareness Month, we’re urging people to take action to safeguard their sight for the future – and being sun safe is hugely important.”

SpaMedica is one of the UK’s leading providers of NHS ophthalmology services, and has 64 hospitals across the UK, offering treatment for cataracts, AMD, glaucoma, and other common eye conditions.

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