May is UV Awareness Month: Protect Your Vision from UV Rays

May is UV Awareness Month and how fitting since we are feeling the effects of summer already in Houston!

Did you know that UV Rays can hurt various ways?

UV Rays can cause:

• Eye Cancer (ocular cancer)
• Cataracts
• Growths on (i.e. pterygium) or near the eye (on your skin)
• Sunburnt eyes

Therefore, UV Safety can save your eyesight!

Most people make sure their sunglasses are stylish or that they fit their face but have you checked to make sure your sunglasses are UVA and UVB protecting?

According to All About Vision: “Ideally, you want sunglasses that have UV 400 protection. UV 400 blocks nearly 100% of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet light rays. This ensures light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, such as UVA and UVB rays, are blocked.  To be considered UV-protective sunglasses, your shades must block 75% to 90% visible light and offer UVA and UVB protection to block 99% of ultraviolet radiation.”

Here in the US, most sunglasses have labels to show consumers how much UV protection they are getting.  We urge you to always look for labels that specify 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Another tip and common misconception – just because lenses are ‘polarized’ does NOT mean they are UV-protective.

If you need an eye exam, new sunglasses or feel you have any of the above concerns, please Click HERE to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipak Kalani or Dr. Linda Haidar Today!