BACKGROUND:

Eye protection with UVA-blocking solar shields is recommended on the day of PUVA treatment and the following day for our patients; however, many patients found this eyewear cosmetically unacceptable.

METHOD:

We investigated 34 pairs of sunglasses to determine their suitability for providing adequate protection. The method used was modified from the technique used by Moseley et al. in 1988.

RESULTS:

We found that 21 (61.8%) of the 34 pairs of sunglasses and only 9 (53%) of the 17 pairs of sunglasses used by our patients were "satisfactory." Expensive brands and polarizing sunglasses do not guarantee optimal UVA protection.

CONCLUSION:

We recommend that all patients should use wrap-around solar shields for optimal eye-protection, while undergoing PUVA treatment. The availability of more cosmetically acceptable glasses will encourage better patients' compliance to protect their eyes with optical aids.