We don’t like to brag, but Northern California summers are nearly perfect. And if you live here, you already know that! From hiking and biking to all the beautiful beaches, gardens and other amazing outdoor venues the beautiful San Jose area offers, this part of the country is a summer paradise. But with lots of outdoor time comes the need to protect yourself. July is UV Safety Month. And at Eye Medical Clinic, we like to use this month to help spread the word about how important it is to protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV rays.
The Sun Can Harm More Than Your Skin
We’ve all probably had a bad sunburn at some point. Ouch! The sun emits 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 the other two types of 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. For this reason, 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.
Thanks to great awareness campaigns over the years, just about everyone knows to use sunscreen to protect their skin when spending time outdoors. But at Eye Medical Clinic, we want to remind you that UV safety extends to 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.
Protect Little Eyes Even More
By the time a person reaches age 20, they have received (on average) 80% of their life’s UV exposure. Children have more delicate lenses in their eyes and more sensitive skin on their bodies than adults. Because of this, they are at greater risk of experiencing negative effects of over-exposure to UV light.
These effects may not show up until later in life, but they bring an increased risk of developing conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. This is why it is so important to effectively protect even the youngest eyes from the sun.
Healthy Vision, Healthy Life Vaccine Sunglasses Special
For the entire month of July, we’re offering 30% off all sunglasses! Just bring your COVID vaccine card to take advantage of this special which runs through the end of the month!
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, only about half of people who wear sunglasses check the UV safety rating before buying. We need to change that! It’s a simple way to protect yourself.
Choosing sunglasses labeled with “UV protection” is a great start. But we’d like to add, also select glasses that block both UVA and UVB rays and that are labeled either UV400 or 100% UV protection. If you are someone who spends significant time outdoors, consider choosing a wraparound style so that the sun’s rays can’t creep in from the side. And one more tip; even If you wear UV-blocking contact lenses, you’ll still need sunglasses!
Let our expert optical team help you find the perfect pair of sunglasses to match your style and how you live.
Trust San Jose’s 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 same 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.
Let us help you See Every Moment. Schedule an appointment today.
