July is UV Awareness Month

July 11, 2011 by Patricia Porter Leave a comment

July is UV Awareness Month

Submitted by Jesse Tucker

Guess what? Summertime is here, and that means Ultraviolet rays will be higher than usual. Summertime means more time spent outdoors. So as you rub sunscreen on to protect your skin this summer, don’t forget to protect your eyes as well.

Photo of the sun July is UV (ultraviolet light) safety awareness month, and health professionals remind us of the importance of protecting our eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. To do just that, you must wear proper protection, such as UV blocking sunglasses, hats, sunscreen and proper clothing. Although summer is the most critical season for UV protection, your body is at risk from the sun year-round. It is important to take precautions throughout the year.

Healthcare professionals also remind us of protecting our eyes from indoor UV light. Indoor Damage to the eyes is not limited to the outdoors. The eyes are also at risk from indoor tanning beds. According to Dr. Michael Kutryb, MD, tanning beds can produce UV levels up to 100 times what you would get from the sun. This can cause serious damage to the external and internal structures of the eye and eyelids.

As studies show, exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of developing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and growths on the eyes. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens that all light must pass through in order to see. AMD is the degeneration of the macula. The macula is part of the retina that provides us with the sharp, central vision needed to read, see faces, and to drive, among other things. It is critical to limit bright sunlight exposure to reduce the risk of developing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and other eye conditions.

Keep in mind that you need to protect your eyes year-round from the sun’s harmful UV rays. While you are out enjoying the summer sunlight, remember to always were proper protection for your eyes.

References:

Photo courtesty of Microsoft.