TORONTO—With many Canadians enjoying the sun participating in their favourite outdoor activity, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) expressed concern about individuals not taking enough precautions to protect their eyes from, damaging UV rays.
In time for the launching of UV Safety Awareness Month, a joint survey conducted by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society and the Canadian Association of Optometrists reveals that just two-thirds of Canadians regularly wear sunglasses on a sunny day. This represents only 64% during the summer months. Damage from UV rays can lead to cataracts, one of the four leading eyes diseases. If left untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness.
"It's important to protect our eyes from harmful UV rays all year long to decrease the risk of developing cataracts later in life," says Dr. Phil Hooper, President of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society. "While this eye disease is more common in people over 60, young people are still at risk, so taking the necessary precaution now will only help decrease their chances of getting this eye disease in the future."
When analyzing data from the survey that applied to younger Canadians it showed that they may not be taking enough precaution to protect their eyes from harmful UV rays. The survey indicated that of the one third of those who took the survey, that their children did wear sunglasses on a sunny day. This only represents 33%.
Ultimately, the COS hopes to highlight the importance of protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, especially during UV awareness month.
To learn more about the risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of cataracts including the other four eye diseases, visit see the possibilities.ca.
