Eye Health
Important Facts About UV Safety
American Academy of Ophthalmology
P.O. Box 7424, San Francisco, CA 94120

• Wear your sunglasses. Studies show that exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can cause cataracts and macular degeneration, both leading causes of blindness among older adults. The more you are exposed to ultraviolet rays, the greater the chance of developing eye disease.
• When selecting sunglasses, make sure they block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Some manufacturers' labels say "UV absorption up to 400nm." This is the same thing as 100 percent UV absorption. Don't be deceived by color or cost. The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the darkness of the lens or the price tag.
• Even if you wear contact lenses with UV protection, wear your sunglasses. The effectiveness of UV- absorbing contact lenses against UV-related eye disorders has not been proven.
• In addition to your sunglasses, wear a broad-rimmed hat to protect your eyes. Don't be fooled by a cloudy day. The sun's rays can still burn through the haze and thin clouds.
• Don't forget the kids. Children should also wear hats and sunglasses. Try to keep children out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun's ultraviolet rays are the strongest.
• Wear sunscreen, but be careful not to get it into your eyes. Flush with clean water or an eyewash if you do. Never use sunscreen on infants younger than six months old, it can irritate their skin. But don't fall victim to the popular myth that sunscreen can blind small children if it gets in their eyes. It's just that, a myth.
• In addition to the damage caused by repeated sun exposure over time, you need to protect your eyes from acute damage caused by a single day in the sun. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light reflected off sand, snow or pavement can burn the eye's surface. Similar to a sunburn on your skin, eye surface burns are painful, but usually temporary.
• Although appropriate sunscreen and sunglasses should be used year round, be especially careful in the summer, at the beach, and on the ski slopes.
• When using tanning booths, make sure the salon gives you sterilized, protective eye goggles, as required by the FDA.