WHEN YOU FIRST READ THIS, it is very likely approaching summer in your neck of the woods! That means vacations, beach time, baseball games, hotdogs, apple pie, and…high levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure! UVR is harmful to humans in many regards and its damages are proportional to the intensity, duration, and type of exposure. UVR is harmful to our cells by damaging DNA, leading to loss of genetic material. Here are several well-known effects of damaged DNA in humans:

• Suppression of the immune system (weakens the body’s defense against bugs and other villains)
• Premature aging (wrinkles, lines, age spots)
• Sunburn (ouch!)
• Skin cancer (can lead to death)
• Ocular damage (cataract, photokeratitis, pterygium)

Limiting UVR exposure is key to fighting the effects of this silent killer, especially during peak daylight hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Other preventative measures such as use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses are key, which is obviously where eyecare practitioners of all sorts play a role. Don’t forget that we owe it to our patients to educate them fully on the effects of UVR, not just the local effects on the eyes. After all, I don’t think I have ever heard anyone say, “Your leathery skin and deep wrinkles make you look so young and healthy!”

JASON J. NICHOLS, OD, MPH, PHD

Editor-in-Chief

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