The AAO warns Americans to protect their eyes from the invisible and harmful UV rays of the sun.
It is very important to wear sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats are also helpful.
Scientific medical evidence has found that long-term exposure to UV radiation can permanently damage the eyes by leading to vision impairment and even total loss of vision.
These risks apply to both adults and children.
Studies indicate that recovery of UV exposure is not possible. Damage to the eyes is permanent when it occurs.
Greater exposures to bright light increase the risks of developing eye diseases, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. These diseases usually develop into vision losses as a person ages.
Prolonged exposures to UV light can be damaging, even if only reflected from snow, sand, water or pavement. These can cause damage to the eye's surface, or cornea.
Richard Bensinger, MD, an ophthalmologist from Seattle, Wash., warns, "Sun damage to eyes can occur anytime during the year, not just in the summertime, [and] although July is designated as UV Safety Month, you should protect your eyes from damage all year long."
Don't be fooled, because cloudy days are just as dangerous as bright, sunny days. The rays of the sun pass right through the clouds.
Be sure to choose sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV rays and UV-B rays.
The best types of sunglasses are those that wrap all the way around your temples to prevent sunrays from entering in on the sides of your face.
Wearing a broad-rimmed hat adds protection to your eyes as well.
Contact lenses with UV protection are not sufficient alone. Wear sunglasses in addition to contacts with UV protection.
