Summer in Las Vegas is hot! But it’s still a great time to head outdoors and enjoy hiking and kayaking, all the beautiful golf courses, gardens, patios and many other amazing outdoor venues beautiful Nevada offers.
But lots of outdoor time means you need to protect yourself. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has named July as UV Safety Month, and we want to help spread the word about how important it is to protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV rays.
The Basics of UV Radiation
Many people don’t realize it but UV light is a form of radiation. By strict definition, radiation is the emission of energy from any source. The main source of UV radiation is the sun, but it can also come from man-made sources like tanning beds. Radiation spans a spectrum from very high energy, such as x-rays, to very low energy, such as radio waves. UV rays have more energy than visible light, but not as much energy as x-rays.
The sun puts off radiation in the form of UV light, which can be classified into three types: UVA, UVB and UVC. The ozone layer is the protective layer in the earth’s stratosphere that blocks UVC light, but UVB and UVA light still pass through it. UVA penetrates deeply into the skin and causes wrinkling. Rude. UVB is the type that causes sunburns. Ouch!
Exposure to both UVA and UVB is associated with the development of skin cancer,
so it is important to protect your skin during exposure to sunlight.
UV radiation is at its highest when and where the sun’s rays are the strongest and even more so during the summer months. Hello, sunny Las Vegas.
Protect Those Peepers
Just about everyone knows to use sunscreen to protect their skin, but at Center For Sight, we want to remind you about the importance of protecting your eyes as well. Studies show that prolonged exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of developing cataracts and other growths on the eye, including cancer.
“Many people are unaware of the dangers UV light poses to their eyes. By wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, you can enjoy everything summer offers but also your risk for eye diseases and other issues.”
Eva Liang, MD
Let’s Talk Shades
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, only about half of people who wear sunglasses check the UV rating before buying. Let’s change that! It’s a simple way to protect yourself.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends choosing sunglasses labeled with “100% UV protection”. We’d like to add to select glasses that block both UVA and UVB rays and that are labeled either UV400 or 100% UV protection.
And if you spend significant time outdoors, consider choosing a wraparound style so that the sun’s rays can’t sneak in from the side. And remember, even If you wear UV-blocking contact lenses, you’ll still need sunglasses!
Let’s Talk LASIK
LASIK offers the opportunity for freedom. Freedom from the restrictions and the hassles of glasses and contacts. So many of our LASIK patients have told us that one of the things they love the most about their visual freedom is being able to choose any and all kinds of sunglasses! Without having to pay for expensive prescription sunglasses, you can choose a pair for every mood! From trendy and fun to classic or sporty, the options are limitless! Just make sure they adhere to the UV rating we mentioned above.
Live 20/Happy with Help from Center For Sight
At Center For Sight, we want you and your family to enjoy the summer sun safely while also protecting your vision. At Center For Sight, we love eyes! And taking the time to educate our valued family of patients about ways to protect their precious peepers for a lifetime is just one more way we can help you be 20/Happy!
From comprehensive eye care for the entire family to laser vision correction and modern cataract surgery, we’re here for you. Schedule your one-on-one consultation today. So many Las Vegas residents have already become a part of the Center For Sight family. Join us!
