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Ultraviolet Protection: The Eyes Have It (Skin, Too)
You lather on sunscreen to protect your skin. But did you know that the sun can also damage your eyes?
That is one reason the American Academy of Ophthalmology sponsors UV Safety Month in July. Over time, the effects of ultra-violet rays may cause macular degeneration, cataracts (a clouding of the lens), pterygium (a growth on the white of the eye), corneal sunburn (photokeratitis) or skin cancer (around the eyelids).
UV rays come from the sun and are also reflected from the ground, water, sand and other bright surfaces. They are reflected from snow, too, so that is why protecting your eyes is not just a summertime thing.
Health professionals suggest wearing sunglasses and a brimmed hat or cap. The hat will block about half of UV rays and limit the rays that hit the eyes from above or around glasses. Look for eyewear that absorbs UV-A and UV-B rays, reduces glare, protects your eyes, are comfortable to wear and do not distort colors.
As for using sunscreen, it is just one component of a comprehensive sun protection regimen. When you go outdoors, seek shade, cover up with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and use UV-blocking sunglasses. The Skin Cancer Foundation advises against using tanning booths. An article in the Harvard Women’s Health Watch newsletter exposes some myths about the safety of tanning beds.
A good sunscreen protects equally against UV-B and UV-A radiation. UV-B rays cause burning and UV-A rays cause wrinkling. Both can cause cancer. A study in Australia found that applying an SPF 16 sunscreen every day to the head, neck, arms, and hands reduced melanoma incidence by half.
Use this interactive map to see the UV Index where you live, or plan to vacation. Just enter a ZIP code, or a city and state.
Keep in mind that marketing of sun blocks and lotions will change next summer. New rules from the Food and Drug Administration that go into effect next year will ban the terms “sun block,” “sweat proof” and “waterproof. Keep up-to-date on skin care and cancer prevention at skincancer.org
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