With summer close, the sun is already shining more often around the country. Even though the sun may feel good, we’re exposing ourselves to UVA and UVB rays when basking in the sunlight – rays that can cause damage to our eyes and even result in ocular melanoma.
This form of cancer begins in the melanocytes or the cells in our body that create the pigment melanin that gives color to our skin, hair and eyes. When it comes to our eyes, these cells are found in the uvea, according to the Melanoma Research Foundation. This part of the eye contains the iris, ciliary body and choroid, and is where a developing ocular melanoma begins. This melanoma – the most common case of primary eye tumors – can cause major damage to the eye and lead to vision loss or even the eye, so it’s important that everyone takes steps to prevent them from occurring.
That’s why it is so important to wear sunglasses when outside this summer. Most sunglasses will protect your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays. By wearing eye protection outside, it diminishes the risk of these rays coming in contact with the eye and, as a result, help to keep our eyes healthy for years to come.
Even though it may seem like a no-brainer to always be protecting your skin and eyes, instances of skin melanomas have continually increased during the past couple decades. That’s why now the month of May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. This month serves not only a reminder to be vigilant when it comes to protecting your skin and eyes when out in the sun, but also as a reminder to take care of your skin and eyes every day so that you can prevent melanomas from developing and causing cancer. So this month, take time to inspect your skin and eyes, and if you aren’t sure what something is, contact a dermatologist or your ophthalmologist to get it checked out because early detection is important to stopping and repairing the damage before it’s too late.
Real Kids Shades offers sunglasses for children of all ages, from babies to teenagers. Our glasses offer full UVA and UVB protection and are the best way to protect children’s eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. For more information on our products or to order pairs for your young ones, call us today at 800-283-1106!