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More than half of 10,000 Americans polled didn’t know the health benefits of sunglasses and 27 percent stated they never wear sunglasses.
One main health benefit of wearing sunglasses is to protect against skin cancer.
According to SkinCancer.org, five to 10 percent of all skin cancers are on the eyelid. Some of the skin cancers found on the eyelid are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Only five percent of the skin cancers on the eyelid are melanoma.
The signs of eyelid cancers are highly variable. They are often scar-like in appearance or texture. One study out of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine found the most common symptoms of skin cancer on the eyelids included a mass or tumor (42 patients); ulceration or sore (33 patients); altered appearance (10 patients); a red spot (five patients); ingrown eyelashes (two patients).
It’s recommended that you rub sunscreen on your upper and lower eyelids to protect from UV rays.
Sunglasses are also key to protection from UV rays. Many studies have shown a photo-protective effect from both prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses. Sunglasses are more effective in blocking the harmful UV rays than prescription eyeglasses.
At Performance Eyecare, our eye doctors will set you up with the perfect pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses to match your style while protecting you from harmful UV rays. Schedule an appointment with us to ensure your eye will be protected this spring as you begin to head outdoors more.