July is UV Safety Month
UV radiation can damage your eyes as well as your skin. Studies suggest that overexposure to UV radiation can cause eye cataracts, eye damage, and suppression of the immune system, in general. May they be your family, friends, or colleagues – everyone is equally at risk for eye damage due to overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.
The sun’s UV rays can burn the cornea of your eyes, which can result in cataracts that may ultimately cause blindness. Even short periods of exposure can lead to serious damage.
UV rays can also penetrate the structures of your eyes and cause cell damage. According to the CDC, some of the more common sun-related vision problems include cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium (noncancerous growth of the conjunctiva that can obstruct vision).
Shield your eyes
Wear sunglasses that have 100 percent UV protection. Effective sunglasses should block glare, block 99 to 100% of UV rays, and have a wraparound shape to protect eyes from most angles. While directly exposed to the sun’s rays, wear a wide-brimmed hat that keeps your face and eyes shaded from the sun at most angles.
Sources:
Agencies
