Sun Awareness Week 2024 is this month, May 6 through May 12. From head to toe, protecting yourself from the sun is an important habit to practice. Continue reading to learn how to protect your eyes this Sun Awareness Week.
Sun Awareness Week
A national campaign, Sun Awareness Week, aims to encourage people to implement sun safety and raise awareness for skin cancer, in addition to the other effects that sun exposure can have.
Although tanning and activities in the sun are popular, excessive exposure can damage your skin and eyes. Follow these tips to learn how to protect your eyes this Sun Awareness Week, as well as the skin around them.
How to protect your eyes from UV rays
The best way to get vitamin D is by soaking up the sunlight. The National Institutes of Health suggests sun exposure for five to 30 minutes a day the majority of the week without sunscreen. However, limiting your time in the sun without sun protection is necessary.
So, when your small allotment is complete, put these wise practices into action to help protect your eyes and skin from harmful UV rays.
Wear sunglasses.
Extreme sun exposure can cause many eye issues, including cataracts, sunburnt eyes, eye growths and eye cancer. To protect your eyes, it is important to wear sunglasses, even on overcast days since UV radiation penetrates through clouds.
Choose between transition lenses and gradient lenses or prescription sunglasses if you wear eyeglasses.
Stay in the shade.
From tanning and swimming to hiking, sports and more, you can have fun in the sun without direct exposure. Try wearing a wide-brim hat, using sun umbrellas and staying in the shade.
Keep your eyes hydrated.
Warm weather and hot sun rays can make your eyes especially dry, specifically if you wear contacts or have allergies. Another thing to consider when you learn how to protect your eyes this Sun Awareness Week is to keep your eyes hydrated. Use eye drops to soothe dry or irritated eyes.
Wear sunscreen.
Wearing SPF is essential to safe sun practices. Remember, the area around your eyes is sensitive. Apply sunscreen under and around the eyes, even when you are wearing your sunglasses. Together, sunscreen and sunglasses can help reduce the signs of aging around your eyes.
Summary
Now that you’ve learned how to protect your eyes this Sun Awareness Week, start implementing these habits and continue them moving forward.
Looking for eye care you can count on? Visit Mississippi Eye Care to find your local clinic, and continue reading our blogs for more eye care tips and news.
