PBA declares May UV Awareness Month

CHICAGO — Prevent Blindness America has declared May UV Awareness Month to help educate the public on the dangers of UV and how to protect the eyes, according to an organization press release. 

In accordance with this announcement, PBA will be offering tips on how to protect your eyes from UV, such as: always wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays;  wear sunglasses in conjunction with a brimmed hat; wrap-around sunglasses are best, as they protect the eyes and the skin around the eyes; although some contact lenses may offer UV protection, they cannot protect the entire eye and the skin around it; sunglasses, especially for children, should be made of unbreakable polycarbonate for active lifestyles; ask your doctor about prescription medication that may cause increased sensitivity to light; and always wear eye protection when using a tanning bed, the release said. 

“We want to stress the importance of protecting the eyes from UV rays, especially to young people,” Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America, said in the release. “Although we may not notice any ill effects of UV exposure today, it can greatly impact our ability to see clearly in the future.”

The full list of tips for protecting the eyes from harmful UV exposure is available at preventblindness.org/protect-your-eyes-sun.