We all know of how important it is to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing sunscreen and limiting our hours of sun exposure, but we often overlook taking the extra precaution to protect another equally as important organ – our eyes. Prevent Blindness, the oldest eye health and safety organization in the United States, has declared May Ultraviolet Awareness Month to educate the public on the risks associated with UV exposure and how we can prevent damage and protect our eyesight for the future.
UV radiation primarily comes from the sun, but it may also be given off by artificial sources like tanning beds, welding machines and lasers. UV damage to the eyes can be immediate and cumulative, as damage builds up over time. Eye problems that UV rays can cause include:
- Cataracts (a clouding of the eye’s natural lens)
- Corneal Sunburn (also called photokeratitis)
- Macular Degeneration (a leading cause of vision loss for older Americans)
- Pterygium (a growth on the eye that may eventually block vision)
- Skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma is the most common type to affect the eyelids, appearing on the lower lid, in the corners of the eyes and under the eyebrows)
There are three different types of UV radiation:
- UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not present any threat.
- UV-A and UV-B can have adverse long or short-term affects on eyes and vision.
It is so important to protect your eyes every time you’re headed outdoors. Wear quality sunglasses that offer UV protection. Throw on a hat or cap with a wide brim when you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time. Protect your eyesight and keep your eyes healthy by following a balanced diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and schedule regular eye exams with your eye doctor. Also – make sure to educate your children on the dangers of UV exposure as they typically spend a lot of time in the sun, especially during the warm summer months.
