Studies show that long-term exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of cataracts and growths on the eye, including cancer. UV rays reflected off sand, water and even snow can cause eyes to sunburn, potentially resulting in temporary blindness in just a few hours. In support of UV Safety Month this July, Advanced Eyecare Optometry reminds the public of the importance of shielding eyes from the sun’s harmful rays with 100% UV-blocking sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats.
Tips For UV Safety Month and Always
Here are some tips from the American Optometric Association for UV Safety Month:
- Don’t focus on color or darkness of sunglass lenses: Select sunglasses that block UV rays. Don’t be deceived by color or cost. The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the price tag or how dark the sunglass lenses are.
- Check for 100 percent UV protection: Make sure your sunglasses block 100 percent of UV-A rays and UV-B rays.
- Choose wrap-around styles: Ideally, your sunglasses, either the lenses of the frame, should wrap all the way around to your temples, so the sun’s rays can’t enter from the side.
- Wear a hat: In addition to your sunglasses, wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect your eyes.
- Don’t rely on contact lenses: Even if you wear contact lenses with UV protection, remember your sunglasses.
- Don’t be fooled by clouds: The sun’s rays can pass through haze and thin clouds. Sun damage to eyes can occur anytime during the year, not just in the summertime.
- Protect your eyes during peak sun times: Sunglasses should be worn whenever outside, and it’s especially important to wear sunglasses in the early afternoon and at higher altitudes, where UV light is more intense.
- Never look directly at the sun. Looking directly at the sun at any time, including during an eclipse, can lead to solar retinopathy, damage to the eye’s retina from solar radiation.
- Don’t forget the kids: Everyone is at risk, including children.
- Protect their eyes with hats and sunglasses. In addition, if possible, try to keep children out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.
And Don’t Forget
In addition to the proper safety eyewear, regular eye exams for early detection and treatment of eye conditions and diseases are essential to maintaining good vision at every stage of life.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, children with a family history of childhood vision problems should be screened for common childhood eye problems before the age of 5. If eye problems such as visual changes, pain, flashes of light, seeing spots, excessive tearing and excessive dryness occur, they should see an eye doctor. Adults between the ages of 40 to 65 should have an eye exam every two years. Adults over the age of 65 should have an eye exam at least every one to two years.
For more helpful eye care and vision care tips, please visit our main blog page.
Source: AOA.org
Image by Rick Bella from Pixabay
Very neat article.Really thank you! Fantastic.
Major thanks for the blog.Thanks Again. Really Cool.
Wow, great blog post.Much thanks again. Keep writing.
Really appreciate you sharing this blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Really Cool.
Thank you for your post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.
Thanks a lot for the blog article.Thanks Again.
Thanks so much for the blog article.Thanks Again.
Hey, thanks for the article.Really thank you! Really Great.
Im thankful for the blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
Wow, great blog post.Thanks Again. Much obliged.
I am so grateful for your article.Much thanks again. Cool.
Say, you got a nice article.Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged.
Fantastic blog. Keep writing.
Major thanks for the blog post.Really thank you! Really Great.
Appreciate you sharing, great blog.Much thanks again. Great.
I value the article. Great.
Thank you ever so for you blog post.Thanks Again. Really Great.
Im thankful for the blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.
A big thank you for your blog article.Really looking forward to read more.
Im obliged for the blog post.Really thank you! Really Cool.