1. Are You at Risk?
According to current research, there is no way to prevent most forms of eye cancer. However, that doesn't mean you should just throw caution to the wind and ignore the care of your eyes. Predisposing factors for eye cancer include blue eyes and light skin. However, people who work outdoors or live in Australia tend to develop melanomas frequently, which suggests ultraviolet rays may be a huge factor. Men and women are affected equally, but a family history of ocular melanomas or lymphomas puts you at greater risk. Just like with any cancer, you should be aware of your family's history to determine if you are at risk.
2. Protect Your Eyes From the Sun
The link between the sun's ultraviolet rays and ocular lymphoma is yet to be proven, but you would be safe to assume it exists. Protecting your eyes from harmful rays definitely won't hurt you, so consider sunglasses to be sunblock for the eyes. Plus, wearing sunglasses helps protect the area surrounding your eyes, which is prone to skin cancer. For sunglasses to be effective as a preventive measure, the lenses must block both UVA and UVB rays. The U.S. government recommends that 99 percent of the UVA rays and 95 percent of the UVB rays should be blocked. Since this standard is not a law, you should check each pair of sunglasses you may buy to see if it blocks UV rays. Even cheap supermarket glasses may provide protection. For the best results, you should choose a wraparound style that sits close to your face, so very little unfiltered light actually reaches your eyes.
3. Keep Your Immune System Healthy
The only proven way to prevent ocular lymphoma is to avoid developing immune system problems. People with AIDS or people who are taking certain medications, like those needed after organ transplants, are at higher risk for developing eye cancer. Visit your doctor regularly and treat any medical condition promptly. Playing an active role in your health and treating lingering ailments will help build a healthier immune system overall.
