UTICA, N.Y…. As the summer sun shines brighter and outdoor activities ramp up, the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) is reminding the community that protecting your eyes is just as important as protecting your skin.
July is UV Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to build simple, healthy habits that can make a big difference in your long-term eye health. UV light is present year-round, but can be especially intense during the summer months. Without proper protection, your eyes are more vulnerable to both short-term irritation and long-term damage.
The good news is that protecting your eyes and vision doesn’t take much effort! Simply wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection rays can make a big difference, especially if you choose fit-over or wraparound styles that prevent sunlight from entering peripherally. Pairing them with a wide-brimmed hat adds even more coverage, particularly during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Even when the sky looks overcast, it’s still important to stay protected, since UV rays can reach your eyes through the clouds. “UV light exposure can increase your risk of certain ocular cancers, retinal diseases, and cataracts. Wearing proper sunglasses is the easiest modification to reduce your risk,” said CABVI Low Vision Specialist, Dr. Kimberly Wadas.
For more information about vision health or CABVI services, visit cabvi.org
