Dear Editor:
During the past few summers, the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) received calls from concerned citizens regarding the myth that getting sunscreen in the eye will cause blindness. Many of these calls have been from parents who are worried about using sunscreen on young children.
According to Steven Marcus, MD, Executive Director of NJPIES, “There is nothing in the medical literature to support this association. We have searched for information to suggest a possible link but have not found anything in our efforts.”
It appears that this misinformation has been transmitted via electronic mail on the Internet.
“This does not mean, however, that sunscreens cannot be problematic or harmful if it gets in the eyes. Some products may cause irritation, redness, discomfort, tearing or temporary blurring of vision.”
The benefits of sunscreen use outweighs any potential risk when these products are used as directed according to Bruce Ruck, Pharm.D., Coordinator of Clinical Pharmacy and Drug Information Services at NJPIES. “Sunscreens are highly recommended when exposure to the sun is likely. In fact, some medications increase the risk of getting an exaggerated sunburn, and sunscreens are strongly encouraged.”
Proper use of sunscreens include careful application around the eye. When using a spray application “do not spray” the lotion on the face. The lotion should be sprayed in the hands and then applied to the face.
In the case of any chemical eye exposures, NJPIES suggests flushing the eye with a gentle stream of warm water and then calling the NJ Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222 or 1-800-POISON-1) to help determine what if any treatment is necessary. NJPIES is available 24 hours a day to answer any drug or poison information questions that you may have.
New Jersey Poison Information and Education System