U.V. Rays

It is important to protect your eyes against UV rays

Extended exposure to the sun's UV rays has been linked to eye damage, including cataracts, macular degeneration, pingueculae and pterygia and photokeratitis that can cause temporary vision loss

Different UV rays:

UVC rays. These are the highest-energy UV rays and potentially could be the most harmful to your eyes and skin. Fortunately, the atmosphere's ozone layer blocks virtually all UVC rays

UVB rays. These rays are filtered partially by the ozone layer, but some still reach the earth's surface.

UVA rays. These are closer to visible light rays and have lower energy than UVB and UVC rays. But UVA rays can pass through the cornea and reach the lens and retina inside the eye.

UV protection recommendations:

UV Index	Risk Level	Recommendations
2 or less	Low	1. Wear sunglasses. 2. If you burn easily, use sunscreen with an SPF* of 15+.
3-5	Moderate	1. Wear sunglasses. 2. Cover up and use sunscreen. 3. Stay in the shade near midday, when the sun is strongest.
6 -7	High	1. Wear a hat and sunglasses. 2. Cover up and use sunscreen. 3. Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
8-10	Very high	1. Wear a hat and sunglasses. 2. Cover up and use sunscreen. 3. Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
11+	Extreme	1. Wear a hat and sunglasses. 2. Apply sunscreen (SPF 15+) liberally every two hours. 3. Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
*SPF = sun protection factor Information based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.