Prevent Blindness, the nation's oldest eye health and safety organization, has designated the month of May as UV Awareness Month. Here are tips and resources for educating your patients about the importance of UV awareness and sparking a conversation about preventing long-term eye damage from the sun.

According to a new survey by Transitions, more than one third of consumers go without sunglasses when needed to avoid compensation for changing light conditions. 

1. A+ protection: Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays. Although sunglasses without UV protection may shade the eyes, they cause the pupils to dilate, allowing in even more harmful rays.
2. Add a hat to your wardrobe: Brimmed hats and caps will block about half of UV rays. This limits the amount of UV that will reach the eye. 
3. Doctor chats: Some prescription medication may cause increased sensitivity to light. Chat with your doctor about the effects of your medication to better prepare yourself for sun exposure. 
4. Wrap-around: Donning wrap-around sunglasses is smart because they protect the eyes and skin around the eyes. 
5. Unbreakable: Invest in shades made of unbreakable polycarbonate (especially for children) so that sunglasses don’t get in the way of an active lifestyle.

Prevent Blindness offers more resources for educating patients about UV protection here and here. Think your patients can ace the UV awareness quiz? Find it here.