Back to School Warning from College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO)
Ophthalmologists warn of the impact of UV exposure on children’s eye health
As the beginning of the school year approaches, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) is warning parents and schools to ensure that children’s eyes are properly protected.
“Everyone knows how damaging UV exposure is for the skin, but many people are less aware of the devastating impact that sun exposure can have on their eyes. UV exposure can cause serious eye disease, which can lead to vision loss and, eventually, blindness,” warns RANZCO President Associate Professor Mark Daniell. “UV exposure is especially harmful to children’s eyes because they are still developing and their lenses aren’t able to filter UV light as effectively as adults’ eyes can. As ophthalmologists we are seeing an increase in cases of young children with significant UV damage to their eyes.”
As the beginning of the school year approaches, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) is warning parents and schools to ensure that children’s eyes are properly protected.
“Everyone knows how damaging UV exposure is for the skin, but many people are less aware of the devastating impact that sun exposure can have on their eyes. UV exposure can cause serious eye disease, which can lead to vision loss and, eventually, blindness,” warns RANZCO President Associate Professor Mark Daniell. “UV exposure is especially harmful to children’s eyes because they are still developing and their lenses aren’t able to filter UV light as effectively as adults’ eyes can. As ophthalmologists we are seeing an increase in cases of young children with significant UV damage to their eyes.”