Summer in Northern California may just be the envy of most of the rest of the country. We live in a beautiful state, indeed. It’s a great time to head outdoors and enjoy hiking and biking, all the beautiful beaches, gardens, patios and many other amazing outdoor venues beautiful Northern California offers.
But with outdoor time comes the need to protect yourself. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has named July as UV Safety Month, and at Eye Medical Clinic, we want to help spread the word about how important it is to protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV rays.
Socially Distance from the Sun!
Many people don’t realize it, but UV light is a form of radiation. By scientific definition, radiation is the emission of energy from any source. The main source of UV radiation is, of course, the sun, but it can also come from man-made sources like tanning beds and even welding irons. Radiation spans a spectrum from very high energy, such as x-rays, to very low energy, such as radio waves. UV rays have more energy than visible light, but not as much energy as x-rays.
The sun puts off radiation in the form of UV light, which can be classified into three types: UVA, UVB and UVC. The ozone layer is the protective layer in the earth’s stratosphere that blocks UVC light, but UVB and UVA light still pass through it. UVA penetrates deeply into the skin and causes wrinkling. UVB is the type that causes sunburns.
Exposure to both UVA and UVB is associated with the development of skin cancer, so it is important to protect your skin during exposure to sunlight.
UV radiation is at its highest when and where the sun’s rays are the strongest and even more so during the summer months.
Protect Yourself, San Jose
Just about everyone knows to use sunscreen to protect their skin, but at Eye Medical Clinic, we want to remind you about the importance of protecting your eyes as well. Studies show that prolonged exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of developing cataracts and other growths on the eye, including cancer.
Be Cali-Cool with our Sunglasses Special
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, only about half of people who wear sunglasses check the UV rating before buying. We need to change that! It’s a simple way to protect yourself.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends choosing sunglasses labeled with “100% UV protection”. We’d like to add to select glasses that block both UVA and UVB rays and that are labeled either UV400 or 100% UV protection. And if you spend significant time outdoors, consider choosing a wraparound style so that the sun’s rays can’t creep in from the side. And one more thing; even If you wear UV-blocking contact lenses, you’ll still need sunglasses!
For the entire month of July, we’re offering 20% off all sunglasses! Whether or not you require vision correction, a great pair of sunglasses can add an element of comfort and enhanced performance to your activities, while helping you look great at the same time! Let our expert optical team help you find the perfect pair of sunglasses to match your style and how you live.
Trust the Santa Clara Valley Eye Experts
Eye Medical Clinic has built a team of ophthalmology and optometry experts who are ready and eager to meet your vision needs. Representing all of the disciplines of eye care, we want to be your go-to source for anything eye or vision-related. Our expertise often draws in patients for eye surgeries like cataract removal, but that expertise is also what makes us a great option for routine eye examinations.
From basic eye exams to dry eye check-ups, we strive to safeguard every aspect of your eye health. In addition to modern cataract surgery, we are able to diagnose and treat most eye conditions, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and more. We even offer blepharoplasty for aging, puffy, tired-looking eyes.
What’s your vision for the rest of 2020? Let us help you See Every Moment. Schedule an appointment today.
