Health Alert: Beware of the June Sun

May 24, 2010

Posted in Outdoor Recreation, Prevention, Sun No Comments »
Tags: alert, kids sunglasses, Sun, sunglasses, ultraviolet, UVA, UVB radiation

"A wide-brimmed hat or cap also increases protection."

In the Northern Hemisphere, June is the month that the sun is most hazardous for eyes, especially the eyes of infants and young children.  

The sun is closest to Earth, is straight above and there are more hours of sunshine. And the weather is generally cooler than in July and August, lulling adults into thinking that the sun is less intense. Sun intensity is unrelated to temperature.

While eye protection is a concern for people of all ages and at all times of the year, children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays from the sun.  Children generally spend more time in the sun. And the lenses of their eyes are more transparent than those of adults, allowing more UV rays into the eyes. Excessive UV exposure causes cataracts and other serious eye problems. The damage is cumulative over a lifetime.

Kids should wear sunglasses every time they go out in the sun and the glasses should block out 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation. Choose wrap-around sunglasses that fit the child’s face properly. The wrap-around feature protects eyes from rays that reflect off sand, water and pavement and helps protect the delicate skin immediately surrounding the eyes. The glasses should be made of impact-resistant polycarbonates, rather than glass, and be scratch-resistant. A wide-brimmed hat or cap also increases protection.

And parents should wear sunglasses to set good examples for their children.

Posted in Outdoor Recreation, Prevention, Sun No Comments »
Tags: alert, kids sunglasses, Sun, sunglasses, ultraviolet, UVA, UVB radiation