SEARING heat makes it necessary for sunscreen, hats and umbrellas to be part of outdoor attire.
But is sun protection only for the skin? How about our eyes?
The average Malaysian is quite vigilant about avoiding sunburn on the skin but shows very little concern for sun damage to the eyes says Daniel Yong, commercial development manager for Essilor (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
Essilor International is a world leader in the design, manufacture and customisation of ophthalmic lenses including Crizal lenses.
SUN AND VISION
Yong explains that sun protection for the eyes is crucial because the sun emits UV rays and harmful blue light and over exposure to both can lead to eye diseases.
When we are outdoors, whatever the weather and season, whether it's sunny, cloudy or rainy our eyes are still being exposed to UV rays and harmful blue light.
Being indoors does not mean we are fully protected either.
UV rays assault the eyes everywhere, 365 days a year. In fact, more than 40 per cent of UV light can also reach us even when we are not in full sunlight.
Harmful blue light also poses a risk inside the home as our eyes can be exposed to it while using digital devices such as computers, tablets and smartphones, devices which many people today utilise for long hours.
Yong says sun protection for the eyes is not something we should only be concerned about while on holiday or at the beach or while we're driving. It should be something we take into consideration at all times throughout the day.
Yong says for outdoor use investing in a good pair of sunglasses is crucial but one should never assume that just tinted lenses are good enough.
The lenses must be able to provide adequate UV protection and it's always wise to purchase one that is of good quality and has high standards and not a pair that merely makes a fashion statement.
"And certainly, people who buy their sunglasses from the pasar malam (night market) or any other such place are not doing their eyes a favour."
For those who are short-sighted, spectacles fitted with clear lenses that not only correct vision but also offer sun protection is a good approach because many individuals do go outdoors wearing their spectacles.
Opting for such lenses may be expensive but Yong says consumers should view it as an investment in their eye health as lenses with normal coatings which are usually fitted on spectacles do not offer extensive protection.
He explains that the sun's rays hit not only the front of the spectacles but also the back and sides.
And when it hits the back of the spectacle lens, the ray gets reflected back into the eye and that's why sun protection lenses are crucial for those using glasses.
"Spectacles are not just for correcting vision these days, they can also function like a medical device to offer protection against eye injury and disease."
Even those who don't have vision problems can invest in a pair of prescription free spectacles fitted with these special lenses to protect their eyes when they use digital devices. Children whose eyes are still developing are particularly susceptible to the effects of such exposure.
THE SILENT KILLER
Yong explains that because eye damage caused by exposure to UV rays and harmful blue light can take a long time to show effects, many individuals may not even realise their eyes are getting damaged until it's too late.
Various eye diseases including cataract, have been associated with an over exposure to UV rays.
In Malaysia alone, 60,000 cataract procedures are performed every year according to the International Specialist Eye Centre Malaysia.
Over exposure to harmful blue light on the other hand can be damaging to retinal cells and lead to Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a painless eye condition that causes the loss of central vision.
"Because these conditions don't happen overnight, most people assume they won't be affected or that they need to ensure good sun protection for their eyes."
Yong adds that AMD is an eye disease that occurs at the back of the eye, in the retina. Over time, retinal cells will die because of over exposure to harmful blue light.
Generally, people who have been exposed to too much of blue light tend to have this disease.
UV rays on the other hand hit the front of the eyes and can cause cataract. Yong says every year, about 20 million cataract surgeries are performed around the world.
"The condition used to be associated with old people but these days even those in their fifties or forties are susceptible making the case for sun protection in eyewear even stronger."
While cataract can be treated with surgery, the effects of AMD are not reversible.
Yong says people with the condition will first experience vision distortions, followed eventually by a central blind spot.
If it's very severe, they will need to rely on their side vision to see and may even look at people from the side of their eyes when talking to them.
What doctors can do is to help slow down the progress of AMD but they can't completely treat or cure the condition says Yong.
EYE CARE TIPS
*Be sure to always wear UV-blocking sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats whenever you're outside.
*Don't be fooled by clouds as the sun's rays can pass through haze and thin clouds.
*Never look directly at the sun at any time, including during an eclipse as it can lead to solar retinopathy, which is damage to the eye's retina from solar radiation.
*Over-exposure to sunlight, such as a day at the beach without proper eye protection, can cause a temporary but painful burn to the surface of the eye, similar to sunburn on the skin.
*Reflected sunlight from snow, sand, concrete and water, and artificial light from sunbeds, is particularly dangerous.
*Sunglasses can offer protection, but not all are good enough. Choose a pair with wraparound lenses or wide arms.
Sources: Protect your skin and eyes in the sun - www.nhs.uk and The Sun, UV Radiation and Your Eyes by David Turbert- ww.aao.org