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Protect your eyes from UV rays this summer
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July is National Ultraviolet Safety Month, and the Lighthouse Guild is urging everyone to protect their eyes from the sun.
“The month of July, National Ultraviolet Safety Month, is a great opportunity to help shine a light on the dangers of UV rays and spread the message of eye safety,” Andrea Zimmerman, OD, a low vision specialist at Lighthouse Guild, said in a press release.
The eyes can be damaged by two types of UV radiation: UV-A and UV-B. According to the release, this damage can include photokeratitis. Continually exposing the eyes to the sun increases the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration which, among seniors, are the primary cause of vision loss.
Lighthouse Guild said that eye care professionals strongly recommended people wear sunglasses with UV protection and a hat or cap with a wide brim whenever they are outdoors. Additionally, tinted sunglasses do not protect the eyes from UV rays, which is why consumers should look only for sunglasses labeled “100% UV protection” or “UV400.”
“It’s important to wear good quality eye wear that provides both UV-A and UV-B coverage,” Zimmerman said in the release.