Thais urged to wear sunglasses for protection

BANGKOK: -- Senior government doctors have urged Thais to wear sunglasses when they are outside to avoid pterygium

Recent studies have revealed a significant increase of pterygium among Thais, especially between the ages 30 to 55, according to a senior doctor at Siriraj Hospital's Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Nipon Jirapapaisarn.

The symptoms are caused by bright sun light, wind and dust, and by staying a long time in extremely high temperatures.

These will irritate the human eye and lead to conjunctivitis, which could also affect the eyesight.

However, covering the infected eyes with sunglasses before going outside will remedy the symptoms.

Patients with severe irritation and inflammation may need prescribed medicines to help reduce the symptoms.

If they persist, patients may need to undergo operation to get rid of the pterygium.

Patients with pterygium have strong tendency to develop other eye infections, if they do not take good care of their eyes.

-- TNA 2005-02-01

Edited February 1, 200521 yr by penzman

I think it's a good idea and also about time too.

Thailand has high UV levels and airborne particles, and to me, there is not much public awareness about eye protection.

It's a pity these same doctors don't urge the government to do something about other health risks... vehicle emissions for example.

time to introduce the old Slip Slop and Slap

You originally from Oz too tuky?

I haven't heard that phrase is ages.

time to introduce the old Slip Slop and Slap 

Its now slip slop slap and wrap.

Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses.

time to introduce the old Slip Slop and Slap 

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Its now slip slop slap and wrap.

Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses.

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Thanks for the explanation Tiz, I though tuky was going banana's

You originally from Oz too tuky?

I haven't heard that phrase is ages. 

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Yep, originally Ozzie.

Now I cant get that darned song out of my head

although I am not too sure how the sunglass part would fit in with the original song...

Maybe TizMe can enlighten us???

But, back to the original subject, the "slip, slop, slap & wrap" theme could work well here in Thailand.

Just imagine... a country-wide television commercial sponsored by the Thai health authorities, complete with catchy tune, dancing girls...

all wearing oversized T-shirts...

rubbing sun protection lotion onto each others bodies...

wearing big Texas style hats...

and sunglasses...

My husband has that... has had it for years but his hasn't grown much. The girl who works for us has had eye problems for the past month or so and this must be it, they prescribed steroidal eye drops for her and it has helped. I'll let her know to use artificial tears as well. And to wear sunglasses when she goes out, she never does!

Pterygium for the full details.

Before they go ahead with this policy they need to establish a "standard" for sun glasses.

Unless the glasses cut out the UV rays, they are not only useless, but downright dangerous,

as they reduce the general light level, the eye pupil opens, and admits more of the

dangerous UV rays.

The sun glasses sold on street stalls, with 'fake' brand names are probably

the worst thing that people can buy.

Before they go ahead with this policy they need to establish a "standard" for sun glasses.

Unless the glasses cut out the UV rays, they are not only useless, but downright dangerous,

as they reduce the general light level, the eye pupil opens, and admits more of the

dangerous UV rays.

The sun glasses sold on street stalls, with 'fake' brand names are probably

the worst thing that people can buy.

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Agreed, but enforcable?

as you say Astral with the fakes on the market there isnt much chance too many will spend 10 times the cheaper amount of a pair of UV rated glasses.

Time to invest in "Nose job" clinics! Can't see many Isaan girls with no nose bridge wanting to wear glasses

Time to invest in "Nose job" clinics! Can't see many Isaan girls with no nose bridge wanting to wear glasses 

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excellent point mate.

Interestingly enough both me and my mate picked viral conjunctivitis while in Pattaya last November...

I remember reading an article in the BKK Post last year, they tested the 199 baht sunglasses on the street and their UV protection wasn't bad actually. Not as high as a $200 pair but still within acceptable levels.

Interestingly enough both me and my mate picked viral conjunctivitis while in Pattaya last November...

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I have only ever had that once, and I picked it up in Mt Barker of all places.

Maybe TizMe can enlighten us??? 

You asked for it...

The sun can't burn and wrinkle your skin,

if you slip slop slap wrap-let's begin!

Do the slip slop slap wrap.

Do the slip slop slap wrap.

Slip on a tee shirt when you're outside.

Keep the sun's rays off your hide!

Do the slip slop slap wrap.

Do the slip slop slap wrap.

Slop on some sunscreen

before you make the sun scene!

Do the slip slop slap wrap.

Do the slip slop slap wrap.

Slap on a hat that covers your ears.

No more sunburn, no more tears!

Do the slip slop slap wrap.

Do the slip slop slap wrap.

Wrap on some shades.

Now, you've got it made!

Do the slip slop slap wrap.

Do the slip slop slap wrap.

Congratulations, you're protecting your skin.

Now tell all your friends, come on, join in!

Do the slip slop slap wrap.

Do the slip slop slap wrap!

now sing it!!!!

cheers tiz, I have the picture now.

Someone must have been very eager to update: my sunglasses have just been stolen today! The REAL ray-ban yeah! (was in Chaweng, Samui: surely they want to copy them!)

Thanks TizMe.

I've been out of Oz too long.

Or have I?

Before they go ahead with this policy they need to establish a "standard" for sun glasses.

Unless the glasses cut out the UV rays, they are not only useless, but downright dangerous,

as they reduce the general light level, the eye pupil opens, and admits more of the

dangerous UV rays.

The sun glasses sold on street stalls, with 'fake' brand names are probably

the worst thing that people can buy.

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Agreed, but enforcable?

as you say Astral with the fakes on the market there isnt much chance too many will spend 10 times the cheaper amount of a pair of UV rated glasses.

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Probably not, but the excuses they have as politicians here never think before

they make their grand statements.