Keeping Your Eyes Safe This Summer
Friday, June 15th, 2018, 8:05 am
Summer is here to stay–we hope. We’re ready for warm summer nights, barbeques, and days spent fishing on the river. We know those lazy summer days are calling to all of us, but that doesn’t mean you need to be lazy about your eye safety this summer. Keep reading to learn all the basics of keeping your eyes safe from UV radiation this summer.
Know the Risks
UV radiation is more prevalent than we may have grown up to believe. For example, did you know that UV radiation is still able to cause damage on a cloudy day? Clouds don’t keep the sun at bay, as some of us with easily-burned skin may know. Sunlight and its damaging rays are also intensified via reflective surfaces like snow or water. If you’re planning on being out at the lake, make sure you keep eye protection with you. Snowy conditions, though unlikely this time of year in Jacksonville, can be found if you’re headed on an Alaskan cruise. Keep these things close while you’re out and about this summer–no matter where you’re headed!
Wear Sun Protection
You wouldn’t go out boating all day without sunscreen, so why would you go without sunglasses and a hat? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, UV radiation can cause damage to the eye’s surface tissues, lens, and cornea. If you have yellow bumps on your eyes, it might be Pinguecula (a deposit of fat, protein, or calcium) which is thought to be caused by UV light, as well as exposure to the elements.
Wear good sunglasses that wrap around the side of your head to keep out pesky UV radiation when you’re outside. “Good sunglasses” specifically means those that are labeled “100% UV protection.” Avoid cheap sunglasses that don’t protect your eyes, and make sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep any extra light away from your eyes.
Keep your eyes from any more UV radiation by using eye-protection when you’re outside this summer. Interested in a consultation to learn more about eye health? Give us a call at (800) 344-7058 for our Illinois locations, or (877) 269-4545 for our Missouri locations.
Category: Eye Care
