Sunglasses
* Some spending over Rs 7,000 to buy sunglasses
* Not practical for farmers, fishermen to wear sunglasses
Health Ministry doctors yesterday alleyed fears of the public over reports that cataract and skin cancer could result due to exposure to direct sunlight. The doctors were responding to concerns raised by Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena following the publication of such reports. The doctors said that no such patient has been reported in Sri Lanka who was afflicted by cataract or skin cancer due to ultra violet rays of the sun. The Minister pointed out that certain persons purchase sunglasses spending Rs 7,000–8,000 due to fear created by such reports.
Read more“Even some people personally contacted me to verify this fact,” the Minister said. The doctors responding to the query stated that the strong sunlight over Sri Lanka is usual in April.
“However nobody in Sri Lanka has got skin cancer or eye problems due to ultra violet rays.
It is farmers and fishermen who are mostly exposed to the direct Sun. Use of sunglasses is impracticable for the people who engage in these occupations. They can use hats or turbans for the protection of their eyes as they traditionally do,” they said.
Certain reports recommended the use of sunglasses for the protection of eyes during April 5–15 when the Sun is directly over the country. Ultra violet rays have caused eye problems in certain African countries which are very close to the Equator. But this is not a reason to panic since no Sri Lankan has been reported with such afflictions, they said.
Daily News By Disna Mudalige
