Cancer warning for children who don’t wear sunglasses

PARENTS are being urged to put sunglasses on their children whenever they are outside to protect them from eye cancer.
             

The Australian Medical Association is leading the renewed push, issuing a plea to parents that whenever they wear sunglasses their children should too.

Cancer Council figures show eye cancer killed 21 Queenslanders in 2013 and 81 people were diagnosed with the disease.

AMA vice president Tony Bartone said it’s not only bright sunny days that are problematic.

“They should be worn whenever you are outside during the day,” he said.

“We have already seen very hot weather this summer, and we must take every precaution to reduce the risk of skin cancer by protecting ourselves from overexposure to UV radiation.”

The Cancer Council recommends covering up and wearing sunscreen whenever the UV index is three or above, but CCQ spokeswoman Katie Clift said our eyes required even greater protection.

“Damage to the eye can occur regardless of the UV index level, so it’s essential that Queenslanders wear wraparound sunglasses at all times when outside during daylight hours,” she said.

“Be sure to reduce exposure of the eye to UV radiation as much as possible, ensure your sunglasses meet the Australian/New Zealand standard, and wear a broadbrimmed hat.”

Ms Clift said 20 per cent of cataracts were believed to be caused by UV radiation exposure to the eye.