More Than a Summer Concern: Discussing UV Protection with Hispanic and Latino Patients

Elizabeth Escobedo, OD, FAAO, FSLS

July is recognized as UV Safety Month, providing an opportunity for eye care professionals to reinforce an important message with patients: protecting the eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a year-round responsibility, not just a seasonal concern.

While eye care professionals understand the role UV exposure can play in the development of cataracts and other ocular conditions, patient awareness does not always align with that understanding. According to a national survey, nearly half of Hispanic adults (46%) incorrectly believed that UV eye protection is only necessary during the spring and summer months.¹

Research has also shown that Hispanic and Latino populations experience a significant burden of vision-threatening eye disease, including cataracts and dry eye disease, underscoring the importance of preventive eye health education and awareness.² According to a survey conducted across Mexican patients analyzing the potential risk factors for ocular surface damage, more than 70% of patients had positive fluorescein staining with a significant association to dry eye disease.³

For practitioners serving Hispanic and Latino communities, these findings present an opportunity—not simply to discuss UV protection, but to better understand how patients perceive risk and how preventive health messages can be made more meaningful and relevant.

Understanding the Awareness Gap

Hispanic and Latino communities are not monolithic, but a variety of factors can influence how preventive health information is received and acted upon. Language preferences, health literacy, access to care, cultural beliefs, family influences, and competing day-to-day priorities may all shape perceptions about eye health.

For some patients, UV protection may simply not be viewed as an important part of maintaining long-term vision. Others may associate sun protection primarily with skin health or reserve protective measures for beach trips, vacations, or particularly sunny days. As a result, recommendations about UV protection may not always receive the same attention as discussions about chronic eye disease, vision correction, or other aspects of eye care.

For some Hispanic and Latino patients, particularly those who spend significant time outdoors for work or recreation, conversations about UV protection may be especially relevant. These discussions can provide an opportunity to connect everyday habits with long-term eye health and vision preservation.

Looking Beyond the Recommendation

Most patients have heard that they should wear sunglasses. The greater challenge may be helping them understand why consistent protection matters and why occasional use may not be enough.

Rather than focusing solely on recommendations, practitioners may find value in exploring patients' current habits and perceptions. Questions such as:

• When do you typically wear sunglasses?
• Do you think about UV protection during the winter months?
• Do your children or grandchildren regularly wear protective eyewear outdoors?

can provide insight into potential misconceptions and create opportunities for meaningful discussion.

These conversations can also help practitioners identify barriers related to cost, convenience, lifestyle, or simple lack of awareness.

A Culturally Responsive Approach

As with many preventive health messages, effective communication often depends on understanding the individual patient.

For many Hispanic and Latino patients, family plays an important role in healthcare decision-making. Framing UV protection as a way to preserve vision and maintain independence for work, caregiving, driving, and family responsibilities may resonate more strongly than discussing UV exposure alone.

In instances in which family is needed for translation, it’s possible that messages regarding recommendations and care for the patient are not being communicated accurately. Providing educational materials in a patient's preferred language and confirming understanding can also help reinforce key preventive messages and improve follow-through.

Looking Ahead

UV Safety Month serves as a useful reminder that patient education remains one of the most important tools available to eye care professionals. While the risks associated with UV exposure are well understood within the profession, awareness among patients remains inconsistent.

By recognizing common misconceptions and tailoring conversations to individual patient circumstances, eye care professionals can help Hispanic and Latino patients make informed decisions about protecting their vision throughout the year.

References

1. Transitions Optical. Despite Higher Risks, Many Hispanic Adults Aren't Taking Steps to Protect Their Eye Health. National survey findings reported that 46% of Hispanic adults believed UV eye protection was only necessary during spring and summer months.
2. Varma R, Torres M, Los Angeles Latino Eye Study Group. The Los Angeles Latino Eye Study. Research from the study documented the prevalence of cataracts and other vision-threatening eye conditions among Latino adults and highlighted the importance of prevention, early detection, and patient education.
3. Clinical Ophthalmology. Risk factors for ocular surface damage in Mexican patients with dry eye disease: a population-based study. A survey conducted across Mexican patients analyzing the potential risk factors for ocular surface damage, more than 70% of patients had positive fluorescein staining with a significant association to dry eye disease.⁵