Prevent Blindness Declares May as Ultraviolet Awareness Month

Columbus, OH (April 29, 2021) – Because extended exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to the eyes, the Ohio Affiliate of Prevent Blindness has declared May as Ultraviolet Awareness Month. The organization seeks to educate the public about the increased risk of everything from “corneal sunburns” (photokeratitis) to diseases such as cataract, age-related macular degeneration and eye cancers.

Prevent Blindness offers a variety of free resources on UV protection to keep vision healthy, including fact sheets and a dedicated webpage at: PreventBlindness.org/sun-and-vision. Shareable infographics on sun safety are also available.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many factors determine the amount of UV exposure including:

.Geography – UV rays are strongest in areas close to the equator.

.Altitude – Higher altitudes have greater UV exposure because there is less atmosphere to absorb UV rays.

.Time of year – The sun’s angle in relation to the Earth varies according to season. During the summer months the sun’s rays hit the earth at a steeper angle, resulting in a greater amount of UV radiation.

.Time of day – UV is most intense at noon when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. Especially in the summer months, it is a good idea to remain indoors during the peak sun hours of 10am to 4pm.

.Weather conditions – Even under cloud cover it is possible to damage your skin and eyes, and cause long-term damage.

.Reflection – Surfaces such as snow, sand, pavement, grass, or water can reflect much of the UV radiation that reaches them.

Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses with a brimmed hat is the best protection against UV rays. Prevent Blindness recommends choosing sunglasses for children, adults and senior citizens that:

.reduce glare

.filter out 99 -100% of UV rays

.are comfortable to wear

.do not distort colors

“No matter the weather, it’s important to always wear UV-blocking eyewear when we are outdoors, to help protect our eyes and save our sight for years to come,” said Sherry Williams, President & CEO of the Ohio Affiliate of Prevent Blindness.

For more information on UV eye protection, please visit pbohio.org or call 800-301-2020.