Spending too much time in the sun this summer could eventually see some Australians under the different lights of an operating theatre, a leading Sydney ophthalmologist has warned.
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Stephanie Watson, chair of the Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia, said one in every 100 Australians would eventually develop a triangular-shaped, blood-vessel-filled growth on their eyeball, called a pterygium or surfer's eye.
She warned more than 250,000 people nationwide could experience partial tissue growth over their eye through prolonged UV exposure.
"Pterygium typically affects adults and is more common as we get older," Professor Watson said.
"Anyone enjoying the summer sun these holidays may be at risk of either developing pterygium for the first time or exacerbating the growth of small pterygia from earlier years that may have previously gone unnoticed."
Men over 60 are 12 times more likely than the rest of the population to be diagnosed with pterygium.
"It's the lifetime UV exposure and that's the group that's been found to have a greater burden," Prof Watson said.
Among Indigenous Australians, women are more likely to be diagnosed with the condition than men, she said.
While surfer's eye is a risk for those who spend lengthy amounts of leisure time in the sun, it also affects those who work outdoors.
Found growing in the corners of the eye - most commonly from the nose - the condition causes redness, discomfort, dryness or itching.
Mild cases are generally treated with ointments to reduce irritation and steroids to combat inflammation.
If left untreated, however, the condition can lead to disrupted vision and the need to surgically remove the growth.
"The key concern is: if a pterygium does continue to grow, it can lead to vision problems," Prof Watson said.
"Vision may become increasingly blurry or partially blocked in the affected eye."
If the cornea is distorted or scarred because of surfer's eye, this can lead to astigmatism or permanent vision loss.
Analysis of Medicare data from 2001 found the condition cost taxpayers $8.3 million per year through GP or specialist visits, medications and surgeries.
Wraparound sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, umbrellas and sun tents are all recommended to help Australians protect their eyes, Prof Watson said.
"Taking note of your eye health should be high on your summer priorities, to not only prevent conditions such as pterygium, but also skin cancer around the eyes and other forms of eye damage," she said.
She added those concerned about surfer's eye should make an appointment with their GP, optometrist, or eye specialist.
Australian Associated Press
