Outdoor sports involve exposure to sun, which has both beneficial and potentially harmful effects. For example, ultraviolet (UV) light helps us make Vitamin D, which is important for bone strength, but UV also increases the risk of skin cancer. Thus a balance is important.
Similarly some outdoor exposure seems to protect adolescents from developing short-sightedness (myopia) but excess UV exposure increases the risk of UV damage to the front of the eye, causing pterygium (see picture).
Wearing hats and sunglasses is practical for some sports and outdoor activities but it is less so for others – e.g. surfing.
Therefore, the main aims of this research are to:
- evaluate the use of eye protection (e.g. sunglasses, goggles) by those involved in regular sports, outdoor activity or swimming
- determine evidence of sun damage to the eye in these groups
- assess levels of glaucoma damage to the eye in these groups
- Participation involves attending the Lions Eye Institute for a free comprehensive eye examination and completing two questionnaires about your general health and physical activity.
