Keep an Eye on Ultraviolet (UV) Safety

Eye medical doctors (ophthalmologists) caution us that too much exposure to UV light raises the risks of eye diseases, including cataract, growths on the eye and cancer. Strong exposure to snow reflection can also quickly cause painful damage called snow blindness. People of all ages should take precautions whenever they are outdoors.

Follow these tips to protect your eyes from the sun all year long:

• Sun damage to eyes can occur anytime during the year, not just in the summertime, so be sure to wear UV-blocking sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats whenever you're outside.


• Don't be fooled by clouds: the sun's rays can pass through haze and thin clouds.


• Never look directly at the sun. Looking directly at the sun at any time, including during an eclipse, can lead to solar retinopathy, which is damage to the eye's retina from solar radiation.

*** Remember sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and plenty of fluids!***