Prevent Blindness declares May as UV Awareness Month
Prevent Blindness has declared May as UV Awareness Month to help educate the public on the dangers of UV and offers steps to take to protect vision today and in the future.
Chicago-Prevent Blindness has declared May as UV Awareness Month to help educate the public on the dangers of UV and offers steps to take to protect vision today and in the future. Because UV damage to the eyes can be immediate and cumulative, it is imperative to learn how to protect sight today.
Mention to your patients that UV rays can cause:
• Cataract
• Corneal sunburn
• Macular degeneration
• Pterygium
• Skin cancer
UV-A radiation has lower energy and penetrates deep into the eye, which may injure the macula. UV-B radiation is presumably more dangerous and is mainly absorbed by the cornea and lens of the eye and can damage those tissues.
Prevent Blindness strongly recommends that both adults and children always wear both a wide-brimmed hat or cap and the proper UV-rated sunglasses. Wrap-around sunglasses are best because they protect the eyes and the skin around the eyes. There are also many types of sports eye protection glasses that offer UV protection as well.
