Sun Safety, Part IV

I’m Megan Westfall, Oncology Nurse Navigator at United Hospital Center. I’m here to answer your questions about sun safety.

1. What’s one aspect of sun safety that our viewers may be overlooking?

Most of us know that too much sun can cause sunburn and skin damage. But did you know that the sun’s ultraviolet rays can also harm your eyes? UV light is invisible. It can’t be seen by the human eye. But it can still damage your vision.

Several eye problems have been linked to UV light as well. These include cataracts, which are cloudy areas in the eye’s lens. Cataracts can make vision blurry, hazy, or less colorful. Excess UV light has also been linked to cancers of the eyelid.

2. How would you recommend that we protect our eyes from the sun?

Wearing sunglasses and a hat is the simplest and safest way to protect your eyes from UV rays. Choose sunglasses that that fit well and that block light from coming in around the lenses. Choose a hat with a broad, dark brim that shades your eyes and reduces glare.

Consider staying indoors during parts of the day when the sun is strongest, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Check your local weather forecast for the UV index, a measure of UV intensity. Be aware that the UV index can be high even on cloudy days.

3. Are there other factors to consider when choosing a pair of sunglasses?

Consider the following factors when choosing sunglasses:

• Lens material. Sunglasses lenses can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic or polycarbonate. By law, retailers must indicate level of UV protection. Look for lenses that provide 99 to 100 percent protection from UVA and UVB or marked as having a UV400 rating. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulates non-prescription sunglasses as medical devices. It requires that manufacturers and retailers meet minimum requirements for UV protection, lens quality, impact resistance, labeling, and more. Unsure if your sunglasses have UV-blocking lenses? Many optical shops have a device called a photometer to test them.
• Fit. Choose comfort over style when selecting sunglasses frames. They should feel good, stay in place, and cover the skin around your eyes. A good fit will minimize light that enters the eye from the top, bottom, and sides of the lenses.
• Use. Choose sunglasses according to your activity. Activities near water, snow, sand, and other reflective surfaces increase UV exposure by reflecting light. Polarized lenses are good for reducing glare from snow or water. Consider wearing wraparound sunglasses or goggles to protect yourself from intense light or when doing yardwork or other activities that create flying debris.

This content was originally posted on the WDTV News website here.

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