QJuly is UV Safety Month. What are UV rays?

ALight and solar radiation from the sun hit the earth. About 5 percent of solar radiation is ultraviolet light. UV light is made up of UVA (wavelengths from 400 to 320 nanometers), UVB (320 to 290 nm) and UVC (below 290 nm). The ozone absorbs UVC while the rest of UV light gets through to hit earth. Ten percent of this UV light is UVB and 90 percent is UVA.

QHow can UV rays damage the eyes?

ALiving tissue has many chemicals within the cells. Proteins and enzymes can absorb the UV light and disrupt membranes at the cellullar level. Free radicals can also form and damage tissue from chemical reactions in the tissues to the UV rays. This means we can develop cataracts, pterygia (growths on cornea and conjunctiva), skin cancers on eyelids and on the eyeball. There is also a possible correlation between age-related macular degeneration and UV light. Looking at the sun directly can cause retinal burns (this is similar to holding a magnifying glass over paper and focusing the sun on the paper to burn a hole in the paper).

QIs the sun the only source of UV radiation that can damage our eyes?

AWelding arcs (welders beware) and germicidal lamps along with certain types of lasers can damage the eyes from UVC radiation.

QHow we can protect our eyes?

ASunglasses are your best protection, especially on the beach or ski slopes where reflected light is high.

QCan the surface of the eye burn from sun exposure?

AThe surface of the eye, the cornea and the conjunctiva can be damaged by the UV rays due to direct sun exposure. Basal cell cancers can affect the eye and the eyelid.

QWhat should we look for in ultraviolet eye protection?

APolarized sunglasses or those that are polycarbonate give the best protection from UVA and UVB. Tinted lenses are not as good.

QCan the eyes be damaged by UV rays on cloudy days?

AYes, by less intense sunlight. Remember, you can also get a bad sunburn on an overcast day.

QIs UV radiation worse in the summer?

AYes, because of the intensity of the sun and longer daylight hours. Also, the closer you live to the equator, the higher the risk for more UV light damage.

QWho should we see for eye health care?

ASee your ophthalmologist or optometrist at least every few years if you have healthy eyes, but more frequently as directed if you have eye diseases that require careful monitoring.