Don’t Fry Day: Be Sun-Safe!

Image provided by www.skincancerprevention.org

Today is the third annual Don’t Fry Day.  No, it doesn’t mean you can’t have fried chicken.

Don’t Fry Day is a campaign sponsored by The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention to remind people to practice sun-safe behaviors while enjoying the outdoors this Memorial Day weekend.

The primary dangers of the sun come in the form of ultraviolet radiation.  Many people are aware of how UV radiation damages the skin, but few realize the impact UV exposure has on the eyes.  Photokeratitis, like a sunburn of the eye, causes painful symptoms such as red eyes and extreme sensitivity to light.

Long-term UV exposure can be very serious.  Over time, exposure to small amounts of UV radiation increases the chance of developing cataracts and causing damage to the retina.

If you can answer “yes” to one or more of the following questions, The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention says you could be at higher risk for harm to the eyes from UV radiation:

• Do you spend a great deal of time outdoors?
• Do you spend time skiing, mountain climbing or at the beach?
• Do you use a sunlamp or tanning parlor?
• Do you live in the mountains or the United States Sunbelt?
• Are you a welder, medical technologist or do you work in the graphic arts or in the manufacture of electronic circuit boards?
• Do you take prescription or over-the-counter drugs that can increase your sensitivity to UV radiation (check with your optometrist, pharmacist, or physician)?
• Have you had cataract surgery in one or both eyes?

Dr. Tavel and his board certified associates recommend wearing sunglasses with Purifier® Polarized lenses.  Purifier® lenses make colors more crisp and vibrant while protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays.

While you’re enjoying a cookout or watching the Indianapolis 500 this weekend, be sure you’re sun-safe with Purifier® Polarized lenses.  Happy Don’t Fry Day!