"During the summer months the level of ultraviolet radiation is three times greater than in the winter," says the American Academy of Ophthalmology. And according to the U.S. DHHS' Office of Minority Health, "studies show that exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, both leading causes of vision loss among older adults."
Here are a few tips from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration to protect your eyes.
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Wear a hat.A wide brim hat is ideal because it protects the eyes as well as the neck, ears, forehead, nose, and scalp.
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If you wear a baseball cap, says the CDC, you should also protect your ears and the back of your neck by wearing clothing that covers those areas, using sunscreen with at least SPF 15, or by staying in the shade.
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If you wear a baseball cap, says the CDC, you should also protect your ears and the back of your neck by wearing clothing that covers those areas, using sunscreen with at least SPF 15, or by staying in the shade.
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Wear UV-absorbent shades.Sunglasses don't have to be expensive, but they should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.
- Limit exposure. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you're unsure about the sun's intensity, take the shadow test: If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are the day's strongest.