“Aussies blinded by summer sun”

Posted: 09 Nov 2010 05:00 AM PST

Michael Grant and Raquel Jeremia wearing their sunnies at Middle Park beach. Picture: Ellen Smith Source: Herald Sun

SUN-drenched Aussies are blind to the level of protection that sunglasses provide.

Half of all adults don't always wear shades on sunny days, exposing themselves to potential eye damage, a survey reveals.

Experts say many consumers are unaware which sunglasses best suit their needs. Other people choose fashion ahead of fit, reducing protection from harmful UV rays.

Australia has strict sunglass laws designed to give adequate protection from ultraviolet radiation.

Sunglasses should meet the national standard (AS/NZS 1067) and carry a lens category number of two, three or four to indicate how much they cut glare.

Spectacles that are just fashion items, with low protection, cannot be labelled sunglasses.

Optometrists Association Australia professional services manager Shirley Loh said a higher price was no guide to the UV shield.

"People can get the same blockage paying $20 or $200, but durability of parts could be an issue," Ms Loh said.

But even if a pair of shades met minimum standards, wearers won't get good protection with a bad fit, such as lenses too small for their face.

Sunglasses reduced the risk of damage such as cataracts, a clouding of the lens inside the eye, and macular degeneration, a breakdown of central vision and a leading cause of blindness.

Pterygium, an overgrowth of tissue at the front of the eye, was another condition associated with UV damage that could develop in people as young as 20.

"Australia's high levels of UV can cause long-term and permanent harm to the health of your eyes. Because damage is cumulative, the choices you make now will affect you in the future," Ms Loh said.

The national poll, commissioned by OAA, found two in three people were unsure whether sunglasses gave 100 per cent UV blockage, and were unaware of specific health hazards.

The online survey of 1000 respondents revealed only half always wore their shades on sunny days and 7 per cent never wore protective lenses.

Ms Loh said lens categories 2 and 3 were suitable for everyday activities such as outdoor recreation, while outdoor workers and glare-sensitive people may need category 4.

Neutral grey tints tended to work better for older sunglasses wearers.

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