By Shelia Langbartels, O.D.
If you’re social distancing at one of the many beautiful lakes, rivers or bayous in East Texas, you may have noticed something – it is HOT! While we all enjoy getting our daily dose of vitamin D naturally from the sun, it is also important to protect your skin and eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has designated July as UV Safety Month, but protection from UV is a year-round concern. The sun emits three classifications of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC. The UVC radiation is blocked by the ozone layer, but UVA and UVB do reach the earth. Have you ever wondered why some folks have leathery, wrinkled skin? That is the product of UVA exposure. UVB is the culprit in sunburns, and both types can contribute to skin cancer.
Dermatologists recommend the use of sunscreen to protect skin, but many people do not realize the importance of coatings to protect your eyes. After all, it is unwise to put sunscreen too close to your eyes, so unless you are wearing protective eye gear (either sunglasses or a UV coating on your regular glasses), your eyes are left unprotected. The periorbital skin is the thinnest and most vulnerable skin on your body and is susceptible to skin cancers, including malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma (on all parts of the body) affects over 44,000 Americans each year and accounts for more than 6800 deaths. So, wear those shades! Not only will you look cool, but it may also save your life.
In addition to skin cancer, excessive UV exposure can also lead to premature cataract formation and macular degeneration. Another UV-related condition is a pinguecula, which is a benign white or yellow nodule of tissue on the white part of your eye. If a pinguecula extends onto the cornea (the clear dome that covers the front of your eye), it is know as a pterygium, which can be a sight-threatening condition.
So, what exactly is UV light? Ultraviolet light is just one part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The part of the electromagnetic spectrum we are most familiar with is called the visible light spectrum (remember ROYGBIV from high school science?), which comprises only a tiny part of all electromagnetic radiation.
Electromagnetic radiation sounds like a rather intimidating term, doesn’t it? Well, when you break it down into how it affects our everyday life, it is really not so scary.
● Radio waves are the waves that transmit radio and television signals.
● Microwaves are used in microwave ovens to cook and heat food.
● Infrared radiation makes remote controls and night-vision goggles possible.
● The visible spectrum is the range that is detectable by the human eye. We are able to see wavelengths from about 400 to 700 nm. The different wavelengths of light cause us to perceive different colors.
● Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is emitted by the sun and causes skin to burn or tan.
● We are all familiar with the use of x-rays in the medical field.
● Gamma-rays are also used in medicine; one example is a PET scan. They are also utilized by the nuclear industry.
Now that you are well-versed in the different types of radiation, make sure to remember to protect yourself from UV radiation. Wear sunscreen to defend your skin and sunglasses or a UV coating to shield the delicate tissues in and around your eyes. Your optometrist or optician can explain the best options for you and your lifestyle.
Dr. Langbartels is a Licensed Therapeutic Optometrist and has been in practice for over twenty years. You can find her office, Maxim-Eyes, on Walnut Street in Jefferson.