Eye Protection

Is eye protection important in marathon running? Especially in weather condition like Malaysia where runners will be exposed to sunlight and UV rays for at least 2hrs towards the end of a 42km race. We put on sun-screen to protect our skin and a pair of sunglasses to cut off the glare from our eyes when we know we will be exposing ourselves in outdoor activities like swimming by the seaside and strolling along the beach. But do most runners wear a pair of sport sunglasses when running a marathon, probably not !!! This is generally not a habit amongst runners in Malaysia. So the question is that - is it really important to protect our eyes from the harmful UV rays while running a marathon.


These are 2 extracts from Massachusetts MELANOMA Foundation and VSP Labs.

Eye Protection

According to the Vision Council of America, while 79% of people know that the sun causes skin damage only 6% know it can harm the eyes.

Photokeratitus, a sunburn of the eye, occurs with too much unprotected UV exposure. It hurts, makes the eyes red, sensitive to light, and tearful. These symptoms usually clear up quickly and cause no permanent change to the eye. However too much exposure to ultraviolet radiation can greatly increase the chances of cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye and damage to the retina. Both conditions can seriously impair vision, and it is rarely possible to reverse. Damage can be prevented by wearing UV eye protection.

Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection is the best way to shield your eyes from the sun as well as dirt, dust, and other particles that can cause irritation. Be smart, protect your eyes from the sun!

VSP Labs

Can UV radiation hurt our eyes?
Yes. More and more scientific evidence shows that long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation can damage our eyes. Ultraviolet radiation may contribute to the development of various eye disorders, such as macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss among older Americans, and cataracts, a major cause of visual impairment and blindness around the world.

What can we do to protect our eyes?
UV-absorbing eyewear provides the greatest protection from the sun's damaging rays. According to Dr. Looysen, a good quality pair of polarized sunglasses that selectively block the sun's harmful UV rays offer the best protection and maximize your vision. "They are like 'sunscreen' for your eyes!"

So with the above articles, I think the answer is pretty obvious. Protect your eyes while running especially under hot and sunny condition. Start investing in a pair of sport sunglasses. Not only that it will give you the insurance that your pair of eyes are protected from those harmful UV rays but it also makes you look real COOOOL !!!

WAKTU LAMBAT TAK APA, TAPI GAYA MESTI ADA !!!