NOVEMBER 2019 • Vol. 25 No. 9
New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists
www.nyscc.org
Sunscreen for the Eyes?
A
…by Joseph Albanese
n intriguing title perhaps, but does such a thing exist? That’s the question that came to mind after reviewing the wide range of topics slated to be presented at the November 13th full-day symposium “Sunscreens & Antioxidants – Perfect Together” at the Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, New Jersey. In this article, I focus on the eyeballs, not the epidermis of the eyelids or cutaneous regions surrounding the eyes. These areas can be protected safely and effectively from solar radiation with approved sunscreens and/or antioxidants as long as special care is taken not to get them into one’s eyes. There seems to be many such eye creams and serums marketed for use around the eyes.1,2 Before we get into the types of damage UV radiation causes to our eyes, let’s consider for a moment how we can protect them from sunlight, blue light, and other potentially harmful radiation. Without us consciously doing anything at all, our pupils automatically constrict to permit less light to enter the eye. We can assist this effort by reflexively squinting and by purposely blinking more often. These actions reduce the amount of light entering our eyes by narrowing the gap between, or momentarily closing, our eyelids. We can shade our eyes by raising our hand to our forehead, wearing a broad-billed hat, or lowering the visor above our heads to see better when driving. UV-absorbing contact lenses protect the cornea and reduce the harmful effects of UV radiation on the retina, but they do not cover the entire eye. In addition, it is important to invest in a good pair of sunglasses and to never leave home without them. The most relevant questions for this discussion are: What kinds of harm does UV radiation cause to our eyeballs? Are there any safe and effective topical applications available to protect our eyes from UV exposure? Do commercial eyedrops make any sunscreen or
photoprotection claims, which surely would put them in the realm of OTC drugs? What role does the concerned cosmetic chemist play in researching and developing a product that will improve eye health and benefit public safety? Can a currently approved sunscreen for skincare, either in the U.S. or abroad, be adapted and/or combined with antioxidants for safe and effective eye protection? I decided to do some online research. Here is what I learned:
UV Damage to Eyes Reliable, trustworthy websites include those of the World Health Organization (WHO), American Optometric Association, and American Academy of Ophthalmology.3,4,5 The negative effects of excessive UV exposure on the eye over a short period of time include two conditions that may be likened to sunburn of the eyes. These inflammatory conditions appear just a few hours after sufficient UV exposure and may be painful. The first, photokeratitis, is an inflammation of the cornea. Red eyes, a feeling that something is in the eyes, heightened sensitivity to light, and excessive tearing are all symptomatic of photokeratitis. The agony associated with snow blindness, a severe form of photokeratitis, comes from the shedding of dead corneal and other cells comprising the outer layer of the eyeball. In all but the worst cases, dead cells are replaced quickly, and vision returns within a few days. In the worst cases of photokeratitis, however, further complications like chronic irritation and/or tearing develop. The second condition, photoconjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the lining of the eyelids and eye socket. Both photokeratitis and photoconjunctivitis are generally reversible and do not seem to result in any long-term damage to the eye or vision. (Continued on page 4)
SUNSCREENS AND ANTIOXIDANTS – PERFECT TOGETHER N o v e m b e r 1 3 • L i b e r t y S c i e n c e C e n t e r, J e r s e y C i t y, N J