Sunglasses Prevent Skin Cancer

Memorial Day is this weekend, which for many means the beginning of summer fun. Time spent in the pool, on the beach, hiking, boating and even at backyard barbecues means exposure to the sun.

That exposure can have many negative effects on our skin, including the risk of skin cancer. One often-overlooked area of our skin that maintains a high risk of skin cancer is our eyelids. It may come as a surprise but up to 10% of all skin cancers occur on the eyelids, specifically the lower lid (skincancer.org). This is because the eyelid skin is incredibly delicate and often unprotected from the sun's harmful rays. 

Protecting the eyelid skin is easy - and stylish. While slathering on moisturizers with SPF 15 or higher helps protect the delicate eyelid skin, wearing sunglasses is the most effective way to keep eyelids safe from the sun. There are a few things to remember when selecting sunglasses, especially face shape. 

Here are a few guidelines from eyewear experts:

- Oval face: Square or cat eye frames

- Round face: rectangular frames

- Square face: rounder oval, cat eye frames

- Triangular or heart-shaped face: frames with a straight, flat top

Once you have determined the best style of frame for your face shape, you will then select the lens. Dr. A or Dr. Doan will help you determine the best lens for your needs during a comprehensive exam and sunglasses fitting. They will guide you through the process of selecting:

- A lens with adequate UV protection, blocking 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. 

- The best lens color for your needs. Gray lenses reduce brightness without distorting color, brown lenses creates greater color contrast, yellow lenses are best for both contrast and depth perception.

- A polarized lens if you spend time on water or driving - polarized lenses reduce the glare of reflected light on water.

- A frame that fits comfortably and securely on your face, ensuring that UV rays are properly blocked.

- A lens that shields the eyes and surrounding areas to protect the delicate eyelid skin as well as the eye. 

Protecting your eyes from the harm of UV rays is easy with sunglasses. Not only do sunglasses prevent damage to the eye but they can prevent skin cancer from developing on the eyelids. By determining the best sunglasses frames and lenses for your needs, eye2eye's staff can help you be protected from the sun's harmful rays all summer long. 

Have a safe and fun holiday weekend! 

Source: skincancer.org