CPS Optix recognizes UV Safety Month
There is no such thing as sunscreen for your eyes (with the painful exception of when you start sweating and some gets in your eyes). That’s why having a proper pair of sunglasses is imperative to reducing the exposure of your eyes to harmful UV rays. UV Ray protection is at the forefront of this month’s newsletter as
July is UV Safety Month.
When you talk about UV safety, we rightfully focus on the more serious stuff, like skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell, and squamous cell cancers. Yet even if you avoid the more serious issues caused by overexposure to UV rays, there are a number of other side effects:
- Premature aging of the skin and signs of sun damage that include leathery skin, liver spots, wrinkles, and solar elastosis.
- Weakened immune system. Vaccines will start to be less effective in those people. Their bodies start having a harder time fighting off infections that occur.
- Sun or other UV ray sources can trigger reactivation of herpes.
And let’s not forget a good old-fashioned sunburn that can be very uncomfortable during the day and while you sleep.
So, if you’re going to intentionally be in the sun by going to the beach or just out doing an outdoor activity like walking or gardening, take some precautions:
Choose the right sunscreen: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends wearing a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, which should cover UV-A and UV-B rays.
Proper attire: If you are going to be out in the sun, wear a hat and sunglasses. For prolonged exposure, consider pants and long-sleeved shirts.
Stayin the Shade: Avoid the midday sun—you can bring an umbrella to the beach—and try staying in a shaded area from 10 am to 4pm to help protect your skin.
It may sound like a cliché, but an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure. By following these steps, including wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes, you can enjoy the sun and stay safe this summer.
