Protect Your Eyes While Having Fun in the Sun!
Health Department announces July is UV Safety Month
Pomona, NY – Summer time means more time spent outdoors, and the Rockland County Department of Health reminds residents to protect your eyes while having fun in the sun.
“Our eyes are at risk from the sun’s UV (ultraviolet) rays year-round, but especially in the summer when UV rays are strongest and we are outdoors more. While most people are aware of the link between UV rays and skin cancer, many are less aware of the connection between UV rays and eye damage,” said Dr. Joan Facelle, Rockland County Commissioner of Health.
Follow these tips to protect your eyes from the sun:
- Select sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays.
- Choose wrap-around styles so the sun's rays can't enter from the side.
- Along with sunglasses, wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your eyes.
- Even if you wear contact lenses with UV protection, you still need sunglasses.
- Don't be fooled by clouds, since the sun's rays can pass through haze and thin clouds.
- Wear sunglasses whenever outside during daylight hours, especially between 10 am and 4 pm, when UV rays are strongest.
- Never look directly at the sun.
- Protect your child’s eyes with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays. Limit their sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm. Babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight.
Damage to your eyes from UV rays is not limited to the outdoors; it is also a concern with indoor tanning. “Avoid indoor tanning booths, tanning beds and sun lamps since UV radiation in tanning devices poses serious health risks, including eye damage. If you choose to expose yourself to the harmful effects of UV radiation from indoor tanning devices, always wear FDA-certified protective eyewear. If you don't have your own FDA-certified protective eyewear, request it from the tanning facility operator or employee,” said Dr. Facelle.
For more information about protecting your eyes from UV rays, ask your doctor, or visit www.epa.gov/sunwise/doc/eyedamage.pdf. For more information about the hazards of indoor tanning visit http://rocklandgov.com/files/6313/3373/6731/Tanning_Hazards_Info_Sheet.pdf.
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