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July is UV Safety Month

Overexposure to UV radiation has negative health effects which range from short-term effects,such as sunburns, to long-term affects, such as skin cancer.

Every year in the United States over one million people are diagnosed with skin cancer and as a result of skin cancer, one person dies every hour. Over exposure to UV radiation can also cause skin aging, growths on the skin, and even suppression of the immune system. However, during July's UV Safety Month, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Eye M.D.s around the country encourage everyone to protect their eyes from UV-related damage. The same UV-A and UV-B rays that can damage your skin can harm your eyes as well. When you protect yourself from the sun, don't just think sunscreen – think sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat. Excessive, prolonged UV exposure may be linked to the development of eye conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Extensive or intense exposure to UV rays can cause "sunburn" on the surface of your eye. Similar to a skin sunburn, eye surface burns usually disappear within a couple of days, but may lead to further complications later in life so protect your eyes.

See our TIPS page for more info on how to stay safe in the sun.