Summer has arrived, and with the recent news from NOAA that the sun has increased the number of solar flares, it throws at us, its time to look at UV radiation levels. In the solar flares exist a variety of light waves which effect the body one of which lists as UV radiation. UV radiation defines as the invisible rays of energy the burst from the sun and bathes our planet just like normal sunlight.
UV Radiation and the Body
UV radiation comes in in three types of rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC lists as the most dangerous to the human body but clouds and ozone prevent it from reaching earth’s surface. So only those traveling in the Earth’s upper atmosphere such as astronauts and pilots need to worry. UVA and UVB rays reach the earth’s surface. Overexposure to UVA and UVB may result in skin cancer and cataracts. According to NASA, solar flares emit high energy particles that disturb unprotected radio communications, heat up the ionosphere, set off geometric storms, and expose humans to radiation. Recent spectacular aurora borealis in California and solar flare alerts in early April 2017 with one reaching the M5.7 level signaled a sun cycle phase Houston area residents would need to pay more attention too.
UV Radiation and the Eyes
UV radiation does initiate cataracts in some people. Spending hours in the sun without eyes protected exposes the eyes to much UV radiation. With recent events of increased solar activity, the UV radiation has been higher than normal. Modern technology items such as tanning beds and lamps used in the industry give exposure. The World Health Organization notes the social cost of these diseases is blindness and disfigurement. They estimate as 12 to 15 million people globally become blind because of UV created cataracts. Limiting UV becomes as simple as limiting time outdoors between 11 am, and 2 pm since 50 percent of the daily UV emits then. Staying in the shade cuts the amount of UV exposure by 50%. UV does penetrate water outdoors so that activity up to 50 cm depth makes little difference. Clouds do little to limit UV radiation reaching the earth or the eyes. Fortunately, the good doctor and staff at Houston Lasik can help. If you wear contact lenses buying lenses that have additional UV protection keeps your eyes safe over a long-life time. Buying high quality sunglasses also solves the problem. Houston Lasik has a wide selection of sunglasses with UV protection available that block 99 percent of UV-A and UV-B.
Cataracts
Cataracts define as the clouding of the lens that occurs with aging. A process known as oxidative stress creates a harmful chemical reaction in cells that consume oxygen. The lens cells receive oxidative damage and clump together creating cloudiness rather than transparency. No worries though since Houston Lasik has a procedure to remove cataracts. Laser eye surgery of the intraocular lens kind can replace a bad lens and remove cloudiness. Call Houston Lasik for information and then consult with one of the doctors there.
Houston Lasik leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS and Air Force fighter pilots. At Houston Lasik, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478.
Via
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5898
http://www.who.int/uv/publications/UVEHeffects.pdf
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2017/nasa-s-solar-dynamics-observatory-captured-trio-of-solar-flares-april-2-3
https://nei.nih.gov/news/briefs/uv_cataract
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/ask-ophthalmologist-q/lasik-with-cataracts:
