Ultraviolet (UV) exposure has a definite impact on the health of your eyes. Making a habit of UV protection is an important investment in your overall eye health!
Chronic UV exposure:
- Is one of the primary causes of ocular surface inflammation and scarring (pterygia)
- Is responsible for ocular surface and eyelid cancer
- May contribute to the development of cataracts
- May play a role in development of macular degeneration, although this is still under investigation
Skin Cancer Threat
The eyelids are one of the most common sites for nonmelanoma skin cancers. The majority of these skin cancers are either basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Although these types of skin cancer have low risk for spreading to lymph nodes and distant sites, they create local tissue damage to important structures around the eye. Treatment of these skin cancers typically involves surgical removal. See our website for more information on eyelid skin cancers.
Prevention Methods
Because UV radiation from sunlight plays a role in skin cancer formation, there are opportunities to prevent these skin cancers from developing:
- Sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium should be used daily; physical barriers are preferred over chemical barriers. Not sure which sunscreen is right for you? We have several options to choose from in our Medical Spa. Stop by anytime and we’ll help you find one that caters to your skin type and lifestyle needs!
- Quality sunglasses with broad coverage and UVA/UVB protection are another great option to limit UV exposure to the eyelids. Our onsite optical shop has a wide variety of prescription and non-prescription sunglass options. Whether you’re looking for a high fashion look or something to suit an athletic lifestyle, we’ve got something to suit your needs.
Diagnosis of UV Damage
Using our Visia Skin Imaging Analysis technology, we are able to see UV damage and pigment irregularities that haven’t yet risen to the surface of the skin, allowing us to develop a treatment plan that’s customized for your skin. The Visia Skin Analysis is done as part of your free consultation and is an important first step to evaluate the effectiveness of your treatment over time.
English