protect your eyes from UV damage

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1 protect your eyes from UV damage Ask your optometrist for a better solution Transitions and the swirl are registered trademarks and Healthy sight in every light is a trademark of Transitions Optical, Inc.

2 Ultraviolet radiation and your eyes Despite 60 per cent of Australian adults being concerned about UV damage to their eyes, nearly half of them fail to always wear sunglasses or UV protective lenses on sunny days. Accumulated UV exposure to your eyes can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration (a leading cause of blindness), cancer and pterygium (a fleshy growth on the cornea). Even short bursts of unprotected UV exposure can lead to eye pain, irritation and sensitivity to light. All exposure to UV radiation, regardless of how short, adds up in the longer term. The key to protection from harmful UV light is to start young and make it part of your child s routine. Eye health risks of UV radiation When surveyed, many Australian adults were uncertain about the eye health risks associated with spending too much time in the sun without proper protection. Are you aware of the risks? Pterygium Eye cancer Macular degeneration Redness and sensitivity to light Cataracts Irritation and pain 71% 68% 67% 66% 65% 80% Percentage of people who were uncertain about the eye health risks associated with spending too much time in the sun without proper protection. PureProfile survey September ,000 people surveyed.

3 How to avoid the effects of UV radiation The simplest way to protect your eyes from UV radiation is to limit your exposure. Stay out of the sun between 10am and 3pm when UV levels reach their peak. Make UV protection, including sunglasses or Transitions lenses, part of your everyday routine, even on days when you feel the sun s rays may be less harmful. Ensure your eye protection meets Australian Standards for UV protection. Sunglasses should be labelled as category 2, 3 or 4. Wear a hat. A broad-brimmed hat will protect your head from sunburn and reduce the amount of UV reaching your eyes by 40 per cent. For the best eye protection, choose sunglasses that have a bridge setting as close to your eyes as possible without touching your eyelashes, and those with side protection. For sport, consider more durable, glarereduction sunglasses or UV protective contact lenses - your optometrist can advise the best way to protect your eyes for your particular sport. Transitions lenses that automatically adjust to changing light conditions provide convenient UV and glare protection for prescription lens wearers. If you have an existing lens prescription, check that your sunglasses prescription is also current.

4 UV protection advice Sunglasses don t need to be expensive. As long as they fit well and meet Australian Standards your eyes will be protected. Your optometrist can give you the best advice on UV protection to suit your lifestyle. Have your eyes tested regularly or as advised by your optometrist. The earlier UV-related conditions such as macular degeneration are detected, the better the chance of effective treatment. About eye examinations Just like your teeth, your eyes need regular check-ups too. Your optometrist will look for eye conditions or abnormalities, test your vision and focusing, and look for general health problems that may also be diagnosed by looking at the eyes. You may not know when you have an eye problem. Eye examinations with an optometrist take about half an hour and attract a Medicare rebate.

5 Your vision and eye health report Patient: Date: Right eye Long sighted Short sighted Astigmatism Presbyopia Left eye Long sighted Short sighted Astigmatism Presbyopia Recommendations Vision correction should be worn: Near vision Distance vision UV protection Computer use Glare reduction Mid-range vision All the time For driving As needed Not required Eye health: Your next examination should be in:

6 To find the location of your nearest optometrist and for information about vision and eye care visit Optometrist s stamp Transitions and the swirl are registered trademarks and Healthy sight in every light is a trademark of Transitions Optical, Inc. This brochure is produced by Optometrists Association Australia in the interest of the visual welfare of the Australian people. ABN Copyright 2010