DALLAS – Aug. 1, 2016 – Ophthalmologists at UT Southwestern Medical Center remind everyone to protect their eyes from the sun. The surface of the eye and the cornea are particularly vulnerable to the sun’s rays.

“Excessive exposure may increase the risk for the formation of a fleshy tissue over the cornea, some forms of cataract, and possibly macular degeneration,” says Dr. V. Vinod Mootha, a specialist in cornea and external disease, as well as refractive and cataract surgery. “Sunglasses should be used by adults and children when outdoors for prolonged periods of time. For eyeglass wearers, polycarbonate lenses, which are thin and shatterproof, offer protection from ultraviolet radiation.”

UVB exposure is higher on sunny days (especially at noon) and low-ozone days. UT Southwestern is spreading sun safety awareness with sunglass photos on Facebook. To join, snap a selfie wearing your favorite pair of sunglasses and post it with the hashtag #‎utswshades.

Media Contact: 214-648-3404 or news@utsouthwestern.edu