Media Release 22 December 2009
Expert warns parents ‘sunnies just as important as sunblock’
Eye health experts are urging parents to protect kid’s eyes from harmful UV rays during the summer
holidays.
Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) Managing Director Professor Jonathan Crowston said while
most parents know that UV exposure is harmful to the skin, many are unaware it can be damaging to the
eyes.
According to Professor Crowston UV exposure can have short and long term effects on children’s eyes.
“Short-term exposure can cause sunburn of the cornea and impaired vision,” Professor Crowston said.
“But the real concern is the cumulative effect of exposure which can lead to the early onset of cataracts,
the yellow-white growths on the eye known as pterygium, and even retinal damage.”
Professor Crowston said that the increased life expectancy of today’s young people means protecting
their eyes from the sun is more important than ever.
“The risk of developing an eye condition increases dramatically with age,” Professor Crowston said.
“According to a recent article in The Lancet most babies born in wealthy countries, such as Australia,
since 2000 will live to see 100 years of age.”
“The prevalence of cataract increases from just 5 per cent in people aged 40-49 to 85 per cent in those
aged 80-89. Given the rate of cataract surgery doubles with each decade of life, delaying the onset of
cataract by just 10 years would reduce the need for surgery by half.”
“This should act as a very strong incentive to protect your child’s eyes for the future.”
Protect your kids from sun-related eye problems:
Children should always wear sunglasses in the sun, especially during times of high UV
exposure.
Choose sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard AS 1067. This will ensure 95 per cent of
UV radiation is blocked.
A broad-brimmed hat will protect faces and eyes.
Encourage kids to be sun-smart and teach them about the dangers of looking into the sun.
Cataract is a large and growing issue in Australia. Approximately 17 per cent of people over 40 are
affected by significant cataract. It’s estimated that the need for cataract surgery will double in the next 20
years.
CERA is affiliated with the University of Melbourne and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, where
it is located.
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To arrange an interview with Professor Jonathan Crowston contact:
Lauren Metcalfe
(MOB) + 61 431 658 933 laurenem@unimelb.edu.au
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