UV Safety Awareness Month 2022

July is UV Safety Awareness Month. It is meant to be emphasized when we are likely to be outside in the sunshine, exposing ourselves to the potentially harmful UV rays.

It’s summertime, and we like to go outside! We head to the beach, we go on hikes, we have picnics and cookouts, we exercise! Always keep in mind that we need to protect ourselves from the UV from the sun! UV comes in 3 forms...UVA, UVB and UVC. The ozone layer basically protects us from UVC, the most harmful, but UVA and UVB rays still reach us, and can be harmful to both skin and eyes. UVC is emitted from sunlamps and tanning beds though, so be very careful!

Sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection are best. Read the labels! A tint in your glasses does not mean they have UV protection! Wear hats, especially those with a good brim, to protect your eyes and face! Besides wrinkles and sunburn, UV can cause skin cancers! Protect yourself with sunblock! For the eyes, UV can cause cataracts, corneal damage, and growths on the eyes such as pingueculas and pterygia. Wrap sunglasses with 100% UV protection are best as they block the most UV from getting into your eyes!

The sun’s rays are usually the most harmful between the hours of 10am and 4pm, and SPF 30 or higher sunscreen is best. Keep this in mind all year round as the UV can reflect off of cement, snow, water, and sand into your eyes.

Be safe all year round from the sun’s rays for healthier skin and healthier eyes. If you have any questions about your eyes, please make an appointment with our eye care specialists for an evaluation and chat.

Until next time...