November 8 is National Sunnies Day, and Cancer Council Queensland is urging Queenslanders to add the extra accessory today to keep cool and reduce your risk of skin cancer.

Cancer Council recommends wearing close-fitting wrap-around sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat every day to best protect eyes from UV. Spokesperson Katie Clift said UV exposure in both adults and children can lead to permanent and preventable eye-damage.

“Eyes can be exposed to harmful UV rays right throughout daylight hours – no matter what the UV index is,” Ms Clift said.

“Repeated exposure of the eyes to UV radiation causes both short-term eye complaints and permanent eye damage, including squamous cell cancers on the surface of the eye and skin cancer around the eyes. Other long-term eye problems associated with UV radiation include cataracts, damage to the retina, cornea and cloudiness of the cornea.

“It is estimated that 20 per cent of cataracts are potentially due to UV radiation exposure to the eye.”

Ms Clift said when purchasing sunnies, Queenslanders should choose a pair that meet the Australian/New Zealand Standard and have the correct classifications and labelling.

“Always look for wrap-around sunglasses that meet the Australian/New Zealand Standard 1067:2003 and an Eye Protection Factor (EPF) 10,” Ms Clift said.

“Choose sunglasses with a clearly-labelled lens category two, three or four, rather than basic fashion spectacles. Sunglasses which meet the Australian standard provide sufficient sun glare reduction and UV protection. Fashion spectacles or sunglasses labelled as toys do not provide protection from the sun and are not covered by the Standard.

“Don’t forget to team your sunnies with a broad-brimmed hat – worn together, you can reduce UV radiation exposure to the eyes by up to 98 per cent.”

Cancer Council Queensland recommends Queenslanders adopt all five recommended SunSmart behaviours to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

• Slip on sun protective clothing,
• Slop on SPF30 or above broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen,
• Slap on a broad-brimmed hat,
• Seek shade
• Slide on wrap-around sunglasses as best protection against skin cancer.

Remember – one form of sun protection is never enough!

Check out the latest range of SunSmart eyewear available at the Cancer Council Queensland SunSmart Shop in Fortitude Valley, or online at cancerqld.org.au.

More information about eye-protection and Cancer Council Queensland is available at www.cancerqld.org.au or Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.