Have you 'wrapped' on your sunglasses?

The society is calling for people to 'slide' on their sunglasses as the country braces for seasonal high temperatures and conditions.

Sun protection measures are recommended when the Ultraviolet (UV) Index is three and above, but most of mainland Australia is currently experiencing seasonal indexes within the 'extreme' range of 11-15.

This is not advice to turn a blind eye to; according to the Cancer Council, an estimated 400 people were diagnosed with ocular melanoma in 2022. The average age at diagnosis is 62 years old.

"OK, I'll put my sunglasses on", you say. But not all sunglasses offer you adequate protection.

The Society's vice president, associate professor Dr Ashish Agar, said people should wear close-fitting and wraparound style sunglasses that meet the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1067.1:2016 for sunglasses with a lens category of 2, 3 or 4 - which will ensure they're practical for wear in Australian conditions. These are what the categories mean:

Lens category 0: Light tint sunglasses or fashion spectacles

These provide very limited reduction of sun glare and some UV protection.

Lens category 1: Light tint sunglasses or fashion spectacles

These provide limited protection against sun glare and some UV protection; they are not suitable for driving in at night or under dull light conditions.

Lens category 2: General purpose sunglasses

These provide good protection against sun glare and good UV protection; they suitable for driving in at night or under dull light conditions.

Lens category 3: General purpose sunglasses

These provide high protection against sun glare and good UV protection; they are not suitable for driving at night or under dull light conditions.

Lens category 4: Very dark special sunglasses - very high sun glare reduction

These are special purpose sunglasses that provide a very high protection against extreme sun glare and good UV protection, they are not suitable for road use and driving.

If the glasses you're looking at buying don't meet the specified standard or lens category, or are not clearly marked and labelled with these, you should avoid buying them.

Sunglass style - or shape - is also a factor to consider. Wraparound sunglasses that 'envelope' the eye are ideal because they can minimise the chance of UV rays entering your eye through the space between the frame and your face. The Cancer Council offers a range of sunglasses, all of which have Lens category 3 lenses. And what's better, every purchase goes towards cancer research and services.

While we're on the topic of style, Dr Agar also recommended people 'slap' on a broad-brimmed hat at the same time, as it will help provide optimum eye protection against reflected rays.

Seventeen years ago, Susan Vine was experiencing frequent headaches. She decided to get an eye test done, thinking it was time for glasses.

She was immediately referred to Dr Bill Glasson, who has a special interest and expertise in ocular oncology. Within two weeks of an initial eye test, Susan was diagnosed with a form of ocular melanoma and had undergone enucleation surgery - the complete removal of her affected eye. She was 37 at the time and had two children.

Today, she is an advocate for others by establishing an online support group for Australian and New Zealand patients, family, and carers - OcuMel Australia and New Zealand.

"The journey and challenges are unique, especially when it comes to treatment and related vision loss, so we find many of our members are looking for understanding, guidance and support," she said.

Susan said there is an alarming lack of awareness about eye health and wants every Australian to know to 'slide' on their sunglasses and make a healthy habit of booking an annual eye test.

"Every day I live with the reminder of my diagnosis and the challenges that come with being vision impaired and wearing a prosthetic eye, such as thinking about how I sit or even cross the road," she said.

"I rarely wore sunglasses when outdoors, and despite having a freckle on my eye from childhood, did not realise the importance of monitoring it for changes.

"We need to teach children the value of protecting their eyes from a young age and encourage healthy habits early of getting regular health checks."

Dr Glasson sees and treats patients whose repeated or excessive sun exposure has led to serious conditions such as pinguecula and pterygium, and cataracts, among others.

Although less common, he said Australians should be wary of not only developing melanoma on their skin this summer, but the risks associated with ocular melanoma - the most common form of eye cancer.

"As the symptoms and common areas for growths can be difficult for the naked eye to see, patients often receive a diagnosis following an eye test with either an ophthalmologist or optometrist," he said.

Dr Glasson reinforced that in addition to ocular melanoma, skin cancers such as basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas can be found in and around the eyes, strengthening the cause to protect not only our eyes, but the areas around them.

The Society said risk factors to be aware of include having pale or fair complexion, light eye colour, family history of melanoma, growths on or in the eye, increasing age, and skin conditions which cause abnormal moles to grow.

It also noted that individuals with pterygium are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, as the condition is a marker for previous exposure to high levels of UV light.

You can be summer eye safe by checking UV indexes on the Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au/uv/ and doing the five: 'slip, slop, slap, seek and slide'.