5 Ways to Protect Your Skin and Eyes From UV Damage
July is UV Safety Month, making it the perfect time to focus on how to protect yourself from harmful ultraviolet rays
While spending time in the sun has clear benefits—like boosting vitamin D levels and improving mood—too much sun exposure can lead to serious health concerns, including skin cancer and eye damage.
At ImageCare Radiology, we’re committed to raising awareness and providing the tools and information you need to protect your health.
What Are UV Rays?
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are invisible rays that come from the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds. There are two main types that affect human health: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and contribute to aging and long-term damage, while UVB rays are more likely to cause sunburns and play a major role in the development of skin cancer.
The Risks of UV Exposure
While limited sun exposure supports overall health, extended or repeated exposure can have lasting effects. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and long-term exposure to UV rays is a leading cause.
UV radiation can also damage the eyes, leading to conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and growths on the eye, including cancerous changes. In some cases, these changes can go unnoticed until vision is significantly impaired.
Other UV-Related Health Concerns
In addition to increasing the risk of skin and eye cancer, UV damage may contribute to:
- Premature skin aging (wrinkles, leathery skin, age spots)
- Suppressed immune system function
- Damage to the cornea and surrounding eye tissues
This is where oncology imaging becomes vital. Early detection of skin and eye abnormalities through advanced imaging techniques helps physicians diagnose and monitor cancer and other conditions before they become more serious. At ImageCare Radiology, we use oncology imaging to support accurate, compassionate cancer care because early detection saves lives.
5 Ways to Limit UV Exposure and Protect Your Health
1. Wear Sunscreen Daily
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it’s cloudy. Apply it to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours if you’re outdoors. Make it part of your daily skincare routine, regardless of the season.
2. Protect Your Eyes
Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound styles offer the best protection by limiting light that enters from the sides.
3. Cover Up
When possible, wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and long pants or skirts. Some clothing is even designed with built-in UV protection.
4. Seek Shade
Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Sit under umbrellas or trees when outside, and remember that UV rays reflect off surfaces like water, sand, and concrete.
5. Avoid Tanning Beds
Tanning beds emit high levels of UV radiation and significantly increase your risk for melanoma and other skin cancers. Skip the tanning salon and opt for sunless tanning options instead.
Raise Awareness This July
UV Safety Month is the ideal time to make sun safety part of your daily habits. At ImageCare Radiology, we believe in empowering patients with information and providing advanced oncology imaging for early detection and treatment planning.
Share this article on social media to spread awareness and help those you care about stay healthy all year long.