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. Method. 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. Conclusion. 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.