Would sunglasses promote skin cancer? It’s obviously false

On the terrace, by car, at the beach, by boat … Therefore, As soon as the sun shines, the reflex is simple: we draw the sunglasses. Moreover, But wouldn’t it be a bad idea? Moreover, This is what several “doctors” on social networks display.

“Nowadays. Furthermore, we are afraid of the sun, partly since the introduction of sunglasses, which, by the way, have sparked a massive increase in cancers,” said one of them in English. In addition, For him, the link is clear: “You have to let UV light pass. Moreover, When this happens, the brain produces a hormone responsible for the production of melanin in the skin. Nevertheless, This is how your skin protects itself. Furthermore, »»

It goes even further by advancing: “By wearing sunglasses. Nevertheless, you filter certain rays of the sun which are supposed to enter your body. For example, red light is involved in blood production, while green light plays a role in bile production … “Your body would not have what it needs because of your sunglasses.

FAKE OFF – Would sunglasses promote skin cancer?

One would have thought that no one would adhere to such would sunglasses promote skin cancer? theory – the passage on the red light linked to the blood could put the chip to the ear -. yet, many Internet users set out again and tell their experiences. “I have never put on sunglasses and I am doing very well,” wrote one of them.

This video has been shared for several years on social networks, and it regularly meets its little success. The one who is there is Andreas Moritz. Far from being a doctor, he was a German naturopath, who died in 2012. And spoiler: in addition to promoting alternative medicines, he was a great follower of conspiracy theories.

Cancer would not be a disease. but a survival mechanism, it is also chemotherapy that kills people, also the HIV virus would not be the cause of AIDS … In short, it was not lacking in inspiration to promote false information.

Cataract, snow ophthalmia … UV harmful for the eyes

“Solar would sunglasses promote skin cancer? risk is well supported. with many studies from around the world, unlike what Andreas Moritz can say, who is in the construction of a narrative that may seem attractive,” explains Jérôme Hinfray, responsible for information and scientific communication within the Cancer League.

Because in reality, it is even the opposite. “UVs have a lot of energy. They are the ones who are harmful and not the light, ”underlines Doctor Ludovic N’kosi, ophthalmologist surgeon. Besides, there are a whole series of eye pathologies that prove it.

First example, the cataract operation. “The cumulative quantity of UV accelerates the occurrence of cataracts. So in very sunny countries, people are made up of the much younger cataract. Even on a France level, operations occur earlier in the South, ”he explains.

There is even snow ophthalmia. You may have already had the feeling that your eyes burn you at night. after a day on the ski slopes? would sunglasses promote skin cancer? Well, it’s a safe bet that you had removed your sunglasses during your noon break. “Exposure can cause UV cornea burn, and the appearance of symptoms is delayed between 10 to 12 hours,” said Ludovic N’kosi.

Sunglasses yes. but with a UV filter

So sunglasses, it is important to wear them, but it is even more important to buy good ones. “The trap that many do not know is that you need sunglasses yes, but above all quality,” adds the ophthalmologist.

“The main quality that good sunglasses must have is to filter the ultraviolet rays. Conversely, bad sunglasses, with only a black filter damage the eye. With this feeling of a darker environment. the pupil expands and is therefore more exposed to UV rays, not filtered by these bad glasses, “warns Doctor Ludovic N’kosi.

Whether it is the eyes. the skin, it is necessary to protect yourself well in front of the sun and would sunglasses promote skin cancer? especially the ultraviolet rays. “When you take all skin cancers, more than eight in ten are linked to UV exposure. Then there is also genetics, the immune system, viruses … “, recalls Jérôme Hinfray of the league against cancer.

And faced with the argument of certain Internet users: “Before we did not wear sunglasses. we did not put sunscreen, and we had no cancer”, the specialist has the answer. “People are increasingly exposing in the sun, especially with this culture of tanning. As we had an increase in sun consumption. and since we are badly protecting ourselves, we have this increase in skin cancers, ”he explains. And to add: “Solar risk is not considered to be its fair value by the population. »»