Experts warn of sun damage to eyes as first days of summer and heat wave set in
As Vancouver approaches the first day of summer and a short heat wave sets in, experts are warning about the dangers of UV rays on eyes.
Dr. Briar Sexton, a Vancouver-based ophthalmologist, says that those headed outdoors, no matter how young, need to be wearing sunglasses and a hat.
“I see parents that are religiously wearing their sunglasses - but their kids don’t have them on,” said Sexton, of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society.
“So they’re getting years and years and years of sun exposure before they start to wear sunglasses.”
Not wearing adequate eye protection can accelerate clouding of the lens of your eyes, Sexton said, something that’s called a cataract.
Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss, according to the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, and they affect more than 2.5 million Canadians. Treatment can include injections or surgery, but if left untreated, cataracts may cause blindness.
While most of the hundreds of thousands of people who require surgery each year across the country are typically in their 60s and 70s, the issue is starting to affect younger people more often.
“We’re seeing it younger and younger, and we think sun exposure is definitely playing a role in that.”
Sexton also recommended wearing a hat to give your eyes an “extra layer” of protection, especially if you’re in an area with little shade cover like a patio or golf course.
She also says that people shouldn’t rely on transition lenses, as they aren’t meant for extended outdoor use, but for quick trips down the driveway or to and from your car.
Proper-fitting sunglasses should wrap around to the sides of your head, and sit flat along your brow line, so there aren’t big gaps allowing UV light to come in from the top or the side. Experts also recommend replacing your sunglasses every few years because the lenses degrade over time.
“Find a pair that you like, they don’t have to be expensive,” Sexton said.
And, she said, you should make a habit of wearing them even on overcast days.
“If I can see through them well enough to walk, I’ve got them on my face,” Sexton added.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.
N.L. gardening store revives 19th century seed-packing machine
Technology from the 19th century has been brought out of retirement at a Newfoundland gardening store, as staff look for all the help they can get to fill orders during a busy season.