|
Belleville, NJ—We all know the importance of using
sunscreen to protect our skin from the sun's harmful rays, but
what about protection for our eyes?
July is UV Safety Month, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology
and Eye M.D.s across the nation are urging Americans to take precautions
to protect their eyes.
"Studies show that prolonged exposure to the sun's invisible, high energy
ultraviolet rays without protection may be linked to the development of eye
conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration,” said
Patrick Higgins, M.D., director of Ophthalmology at Clara Maass Medical Center. “The
level of ultraviolet radiation is three times greater in summer
months than in the winter.”
Generally, UV light is at the greatest level at midday—10
a.m. to 2 p.m.—but you need to protect your eyes whenever
you're outside for a prolonged period, even when it's overcast.
To protect your eyes from sunlight and harmful UV rays, Dr. Higgins
suggests wearing sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A
and UV-B rays. He also recommends wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
In addition to the damage caused by repeated sun exposure overtime,
you need to protect your eyes from acute damage caused by a single
day in the sun. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light reflected
off water, snow, sand and pavement can be the most dangerous type
of UV light because it is intensified. Reflected sunlight can burn
the eye's surface like a sunburn. Eye surface burns usually disappear
within a couple of days, but repeated exposure may lead to further
complications later in life.
Also, your eyes can be harmed by UV light sources other than the
sun, such as welding lamps or tanning lights. So remember to wear
eye protection when using these sources of invisible, high energy
UV rays.
To learn more about eye safety or for a physician referral call
1.888.SBHS.123 or visit www.saintbarnabas.com.
Date: July 1, 2009
Contact: Cathy Toscano
973-450-2996
ctoscano@sbhcs.com
[ back to news menu ] [ top ] |
