Why is UV Safety Month Important?

There’s no doubt that sunlight can damage your body. Covering your skin in the sun, wearing sunscreen, and staying indoors during the sun’s strongest hours are good ways to prevent sun damage.

All these strategies protect your skin from getting harmed by the harsh UV rays the sun emits. But did you know that UV rays can also be harmful to your eyes? That’s the reason why you should never look directly at the sun, even with sunglasses on.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has deemed July to be UV Safety Month. Keep reading to learn more about protecting your eyes from UV rays and why this month of awareness is essential.

What is UV Safety Month?

UV Safety Month is for the entire month of July. It is a month that the AAO has dedicated to educating the public on protecting their eyes from the sun’s rays.

UV Safety Month is a critical month of education for your eye health. There’s much discussion about protecting your skin from the sun, but eyes are often overlooked in these discussions.

Unfortunately, your eyes can get damaged just as much, if not more from the sun’s rays, than your skin can. Your eyes are much more susceptible to damage from external elements than most other parts of your body.

Your skin is tough and resilient. In contrast, your eyes are one of the most sensitive parts of your body.

Why is There a Month Dedicated to Eye Health and UV Rays?

UV rays from the sun can do a lot of damage to your eyes, especially if you do not wear sunglasses during the brightest hours of the day. Too much exposure to sunlight can increase your risk of developing cataracts and can even lead to cancer in your eyes.

Excessive sunlight can also create growths on your eyes and sunburn them. Most people don’t know this, but your eyes can get sunburnt.

That’s why it is so vital that you protect your eyes when you are outside. And you should be sure to cover your eyes when outdoors, even in the winter or on rainy summer days.

UV light can still damage your eyes even in cloudy weather or during the short days of winter.

How Can You Protect Your Eyes From UV Rays?

There is, of course, no sunscreen for your eyes. But, sunglasses are one of the oldest protective measures people have to block the sun.

Keeping your eyes safe and healthy from UV rays is pretty simple. Wear sunglasses when you’re outside, and it’s also advisable to wear wide-brimmed hats.

Both of these measures will keep the sunlight out of your eyes to keep them healthy. But, when you are buying sunglasses, be sure they are 100% UV-blocking.

You can even purchase UV blocking hats now as well. The more UV protection you have, the better.

Are you concerned you may have sun-damaged eyes? Schedule an appointment at Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Arizona in Glendale, AZ, to have an eye exam.

Frequent eye checkups will ensure your eyes are healthy. They also allow you to discuss additional ways to protect your eyes.