News
Ultraviolet Safety Month
July 1, 2009 at 8:38AM (updated on July 1, 2009 at 8:38AM)
July is Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month, sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). This month, you are encouraged to protect your eyes from the sun's damaging UV rays. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause eye conditions such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and vision loss. It is important to protect yourself and loved ones during the summer months, when UV radiation is at its highest.
Did you know?
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UV rays are invisible rays of light radiated from the sun
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UV light is at its greatest level between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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People get 80% of their lifetime sun exposure by the age of 18
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Snow, sand, grass, and water can all reflect the UV light that reaches them
To protect your eyes and skin from the damaging affects of UV light follow these tips:
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wear sunglasses and a brimmed hat outdoors
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buy sunglasses that block 99-100% UV rays
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limit your time in the midday sun
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seek shade
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always use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and reapply it every 2 hours when outdoors
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watch the UV index, which provides information to help you plan your outdoor activities
For more information, please call the Peoria City/County Health Department at (309) 679-6131 or log onto www.aao.org/eyemd.