UV-protective sunglasses for UVA irradiation protection.
BACKGROUND
Eye protection with UVA-blocking solar shields is recommended on the day of PUVA treatment and the following day for our patients; however, many patients found this eyewear cosmetically unacceptable.


METHODS
We investigated 34 pairs of sunglasses to determine their suitability for providing adequate protection. The method used was modified from the technique used by Moseley et al. in 1988.


RESULTS
We found that 21 (61.8%) of the 34 pairs of sunglasses and only 9 (53%) of the 17 pairs of sunglasses used by our patients were "satisfactory." Expensive brands and polarizing sunglasses do not guarantee optimal UVA protection.


CONCLUSIONS
We recommend that all patients should use wrap-around solar shields for optimal eye-protection, while undergoing PUVA treatment. The availability of more cosmetically acceptable glasses will encourage better patients' compliance to protect their eyes with optical aids.
National Skin Centre, Singapore.
Y H
YH
Leow
S N
SN
Tham
D005123:Eye / Q000528:radiation effects; D005135:Eye Protective Devices; D005139:Eyeglasses; D006801:Humans; D011701:PUVA Therapy; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*