Health news, tips and features: Healia Health Blog

July 10th, 2008

July is UV Safety Month

Health News posted 4 years ago by The Healia Team

Many of us remember to apply sunscreen while in the sun, but do we remember hats and sunglasses? July is UV Safety Month and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) wants to remind people to protect their eyes as much as they protect their skin.

According to the AAO, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are recommended to protect your eyes from sunlight and harmful UV rays. They suggest that both sunglasses and a hat be worn every time you are outside for a long period, even if the sun is not fully out. Consumers should look for sunglasses that can block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays.

It is thought that even just a single day of sun exposure can be harmful to your eyes. Reflected UV light from sand, snow, or roads may burn the eye's surface. And although the surface burns typically disappear within days, they may result in longer term eye complications.

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