Public health messaging about increasing outdoor time to combat myopia must include “equally important” messaging about protecting eyes from UV-related eye diseases “to combat both sight-threatening epidemics”.
The warning about “simultaneous consideration” of myopia intervention and ultraviolet radiation eye diseases is contained in an Australian-based narrative review.1
The authors, including Sydney ophthalmologists Drs Shanel Sharma and Loren Rose, contend that “increasing outdoor light exposure with high-grade UV eye protection should be linked together in public health policy”.
The paper warns of the need to “acknowledge that different sunglasses offer different levels of eye protection” and ensure that the design and grade of sunglasses offering UV protection is clearly identifiable.
frame and lens design in sunglasses must maximise eye protection in children, otherwise sunglasses could cause further harm
“With growing worldwide concerns regarding the increasing prevalence of myopia, children are being encouraged to spend more time outdoors. However, these children should be outdoors with UV protection for their eyes and skin,” Dr Sharma said.
Dr Rose said frame and lens design in sunglasses must maximise eye protection in children, otherwise sunglasses could cause further harm.
“Ophthalmologists, optometrists, and all eye care professionals can lead this initiative by understanding, and simultaneously minimising the long‑term impact of both epidemics,” Dr Rose said.
Reference
- Sharma S, Rose L, Nischal K, et al. Myopia intervention and ultraviolet radiation related eye diseases: A narrative literature review. Taiwan J Ophthalmol. 2024 May 27;14(2):151-158. doi: 10.4103/tjo.TJO-D-24-00011.
