Blue Review
A newsletter for contracting institutional and professional providers

July 2019

Remind Your Patients: Eyes Can Get Sunburn Too

Now that summer is finally here, when you’re talking to your patients about sun exposure and Ultraviolet (UV) safety, don’t forget to mention eye protection.

Based on your feedback from our 2018 annual readership survey, we’ve included tips and suggestions for optometry in the Blue Review. Here are a few reminders you may want to mention to your patients during July – UV Safety Month.

Your patients may not be aware that UV rays from the sun can be harmful, even if it’s not hot and bright out. UV rays may increase the risk of developing:1

  • Macular Degeneration – UV rays may lead to macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss for older Americans.
  • Cataract – UV rays, especially UV-B rays, may cause some kinds of cataracts; a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, the part of the eye that focuses the light we see.
  • Pterygium – A UV-related problem causing a growth on the white of the eye and may involve the cornea. Eventually, the growth may block vision.
  • Skin Cancer – Skin cancer around the eyelids is also linked to prolonged UV exposure.
  • Corneal Sunburn – Or photokeratitis, which is the result of high short-term exposure to UV-B rays. Sunlight reflected off pavement, sand and water while not wearing proper eye protection can cause this problem. It can be very painful and may cause temporary vision loss.

To be eye smart in the sun, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the following:2

  • Wear sunglasses labeled 100% UV protection: Use only glasses that block both UV-A and UV-B rays and that are labeled either UV400 or 100% UV protection.
    • Choose wraparound styles so that the sun's rays can't enter from the side.
    • If you wear UV-blocking contact lenses, you'll still need sunglasses.
  • Wear a broad-brimmed hat along with your sunglasses.
  • Remember the kids: It’s best to keep children out of direct sunlight during the middle of the day. Make sure they wear sunglasses and hats whenever they are in the sun.
  • Know that clouds don’t block UV light: The sun’s rays can pass through haze and clouds. Sun damage to the eyes can occur any time of year, not just in summer.
  • Be extra careful in UV-intense conditions: Sunlight is strongest mid-day to early afternoon, at higher altitudes, and when reflected off water.

The risk of sun-related eye problems is higher for people who:3

  • Spend long hours in the sun.
  • Have certain retina disorders or had cataract surgery, unless the artificial lens received during surgery absorbs UV rays.
  • Are on certain medicines, such as tetracycline, sulfa drugs, birth control pills, diuretics and tranquilizers that increase the eye's sensitivity to light.

1 Prevent Blindness, How Can UV Rays Damage Your Eyes?, https://illinois.preventblindness.org/how-can-uv-rays-damage-your-eyes

2 American Academy of Ophthalmology, Summer UV Eye Safety, May 16, 2014. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/summer-sun-eye-safety

3 Prevent Blindness, Who's at Risk for Eye Damage from the Sun?, https://illinois.preventblindness.org/whos-risk-eye-damage-sun-0

The above material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician. Physicians and other health care providers are encouraged to use their own best medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining the best course of treatment.

The fact that a service or treatment is described in this material is not a guarantee that the service or treatment is a covered benefit and members should refer to their certificate of coverage for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any service or treatment is between the member and their health care provider.