The summer is here, that you can now have a good time in sunlight! You may be cautious of sunburns in the skin, but perhaps you’re also aware of eye burns? For your information, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has declared the months of May as the Ultra Violet Awareness Month for each year to educate people about the hazards of UV light. Read on to know when to be careful in the summers and how to deal with the Ultra Violet (UV) lights.
When To Be Careful
Most people today know that the sun’s rays are most powerful and harmful during the summer, however, there are different things that determine UV strength.
Latitude: The closer you are to the equator, the stronger the UV will be. There is not as much ozone and air when the sun is directly overhead to wash out the rays.
Altitude: If you are flying in the mountains this summer, then be aware that higher altitudes possess a thinner atmosphere more UV light might get through. By 10 to 12%, UV radiation levels grow with every 100 meters above sea level.
Time: sunlight is strongest in “solar energy” which can differ depending on your own time zone. Therefore as to be safe, consider sunlight most powerful between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm.
Weather: Simply because it might seem cloudy out, it doesn’t indicate you need not take precautions against UV light. Around 80% of solar UV radiation could penetrate light cloud cover, even though UV radiation levels would be highest under heavens.
Level of Ozone: More dense the ozone in an area, the further filtering it offers. However, there are a few areas where the Ozone layer is thinned like in Australia. In the event, you intend on traveling abroad, check an o-zone map to determine whether to is one of those areas.
Reflection: In case you are visiting the beach or a pond on your vacation, be wary of this sun’s reflection on the water and/or the sand. UV can be reflected by seafoam by sand about 15 percent and roughly 25 percent.
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How To Secure Your Eyes
Check the UV index in Afternoons: If planning any outdoor activities, it is possible to judge just how much sun protection you want by assessing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) UV index. It is efficient in measuring the intensity of UV rays on a scale of 1 to 11; under which, 11 requires maximum protection and 1 requires the least.
Wear (the appropriate Kind of) Shades: they do not have to be very designer or necessarily black lenses. Just be certain to note that they’re rated to block at least 99% of both UVA and UVB rays.
Employ a wide-brimmed Hat: with its design, a brimmed hat may keep your eyes and face in shade from nearly all angles.
Wear UV obstructing Contact lenses: Contacts with UV blockers can also help prevent harmful ultraviolet rays. A proper eye security is offered by them, although they can’t really be a perfect replacement for sunglasses.
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