Dear Editor

During the summer months the level of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can be greater than in the winter months. And with increased time spent on outdoor activities, exposure to UV rays is often prolonged.

We have all heard that excessive prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to skin conditions such as premature aging, wrinkling, and skin cancer. But what you may not know is that excessive prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays may also be linked to certain conditions of the eyes, such as cataracts and macular degeneration, and may even lead to blindness.

Without proper protection, the eyes can become “burned” much like sunburn on the skin.

Protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays is simple: wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses that are made to block 99 to 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays. Always check sunglasses before you buy them to be sure that they give the proper amount of protection. Just because glasses are expensive doesn’t mean that they will properly protect your eyes.

A pair of $10 sunglasses can potentially protect your eyes better than a $100 pair! Also be sure to protect yourself on sunny days as well as on overcast days. The sun’s rays can still burn even through the clouds and haze.

Try to stay out of the sun when it is the most intense: between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. And remember, protecting yourself and your children from the sun’s harmful UV rays includes wearing sunscreen and protecting your eyes with appropriate UV blocking sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat.

Have fun in the sun, but protect your skin and eyes!

For more information, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s website at www.aao.org/aaoesite/eye md/uv.cfm.

Tracy Bober, RN

Belmont