May 26th, 2016

Guarding Against the Dangers of UV Rays

Caregivers in Glenview IL

Temperatures are heating up outside and while it feels good to be outdoors, you still have to be careful when out in the sun. Those ultraviolet rays can do more harm than good. That’s why the month of May has been traditionally set aside as Ultraviolet Awareness Month, by Prevent
Blindness, the nation’s oldest eye health and safety organization. 

The organization wants to help educate the public on the dangers of UV rays and steps that should be taken in order to protect vision today and in the future. UV damage to the eyes can be immediate, such as a corneal sunburn, and cumulative, including cataract and macular degeneration. Studies have shown that 20 percent of cataracts cases are a result of UV rays; and that number has been rising in recent years. But things can be done to lower the risk to everyone, including seniors. If you are a family caregiver for a loved one, consider these important, yet simple, steps to protecting your loved one’s eyes when exposed to the sunlight.
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• Speak with an eye care professional to ensure the proper UV eye protection is being used.
• Always wear sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays. (Sunglasses without UV protection may shade the eyes, but actually cause the pupils to dilate, allowing in even more harmful rays.) 
• Use wrap-around sunglasses for maximum protection. These are glasses that protect not just the eyes from the front, but the sides, as well. They do the best job of protecting the eyes and the skin around the eyes.
• Although some contact lenses may offer UV protection, they cannot protect the entire eye and the skin around it. 
• Sunglasses should be made of unbreakable polycarbonate for active lifestyles.
• Ask your loved one’s doctor about prescription medication they take that may cause increased sensitivity to light. According to AllAboutVision.com, certain medications, such as tetracycline, sulfa drugs, birth control pills, diuretics and tranquilizers, can increase a person’s body sensitivity to UV and high-energy visible (HEV) radiation.

Of course, UV rays can cause problems for more than just one’s eyes. Help ensure your loved one is using sunscreen on any portion of their body exposed to the sun to help reduce their risk of getting skin cancer. Sunscreen should be applied about 20 to 30 minutes before going into the sun and re-applied every two hours if swimming or sweating excessively. They should also wear light-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and lip balm with sunscreen in it.

For more tips on how to protect your loved one against harmful UV rays, see www.skincancer.org.  
Additional source: https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/health-awareness/ultraviolet-awareness-month.html
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​If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Glenview, IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

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