Look SunSmart™^TM

"Think of Sunglasses as Sunblock for your Eyes."^TM 

                       - Dr. Paul T. Finger, clinical professor of Ophthamology at NYU School of Medicine 

The same melanin producing cells in the skin appear in the eye so unprotected UV rays exposure to the eye can cause melanoma of the eye -or ocular melanoma.  Doctors recommend wearing sunglasses all year round to protect your eyes and the surrounding skin areas.

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To protect your eyes from UV light, eye doctors recommend wearing sunglasses.  When selecting sunglasses, look for ones that have:

• Broad Spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection
• Preferably wraparound frames block light from the sides

Risk Factors

Eye Color: People with blue eyes and green eyes have a higher risk of melanoma of the eye 

Heredity: A condition called Dysplastic Nevus (precancerous moles) syndrome may increase the risk of melanoma

Exposure to the Sun:Some research suggests that people who repeatedly spend long hours in the sun have an increased risk of melanoma of the eye.             Exposure before the age of 30 seems to be the most important.

Atypical Moles: Some people tend to have a large number of moles that are unusual in color and/or shape.  People with these atypical moles have a higher risk of melanoma of the skin and ocular melanoma. 

Age:The risk of melanoma increases with age.  Exposure before the age of 30 seems to be the greatest contributing factor.

For more information about Look SunSmart or any other Ray Festa Melanoma Foundation program, please contact us at info@rayfesta.org.