What happens if you are exposed to UV light?
Exposure to UV rays can cause premature aging of the skin and signs of sun damage such as wrinkles, leathery skin, liver spots, actinic keratosis, and solar elastosis. UV rays can also cause eye problems. They can cause the cornea (on the front of the eye) to become inflamed or burned.
What are the potential harmful effects of overexposure to UV light?
Excessive exposure to UV radiation over many years has been shown to increase a person’s risk of developing skin cancer. The most common types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are not usually life-threatening if treated early.
Can UV light make you sick?
In addition to the well-known short-term effects of overexposure to the sun such as sunburn or allergic reactions, long-term effects pose a life-long hazard to your health. Overexposure to UV radiation affects your skin, your eyes and probably your immune system.
Are UV lights bad for your eyes?
What does UV light do to your eyes? UV radiation can cause damage from short-term or long-term exposure. This can harm the eyes, affect your vision, and lead to deteriorating eye health overall.
What are the most serious effects of long-term exposure to UVR?
The most serious long-term effect of UV radiation particularly for white skinned populations, is the induction of skin cancer. The non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. They are relatively common in white people, although they are rarely fatal.
Is UV light harmful to eyes?
Is UV light OK for skin?
UV exposure is a powerful attack on the skin, creating damage that can range from premature wrinkles to dangerous skin cancer. Damage from UV exposure is cumulative and increases your skin cancer risk over time. While your body can repair some of the DNA damage in skin cells, it can’t repair all of it.
How does overexposure to UV light affect the body?
Scientists have found that overexposure to UV light may suppress proper functioning of the body’s immune system and the skin’s natural defenses. All people, regardless of skin color, might be vulnerable to effects including impaired response to immunizations, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and reactions to certain medications.
What are the risks of UV light therapy?
Precautions. Prolonged exposure to UV light can be a risk factor for developing skin cancer; thus patients undergoing UV light therapy should get an annual examination for skin cancer by a dermatologist.
What do you need to know about UV exposure?
Choose light bulbs that have the lowest possible irradiance (intensity). Cover fluorescent and halogen bulbs with light shields or glass that filters out UV rays. Look for shields with readings of 380 to 400 nanometers, which filters all types of ultraviolet light. Use UV-blocking shades to cover windows and prevent sunlight from streaming in.
What should I wear to lessen my UV exposure?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology now recommends wearing UV sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat to lessen exposure to ultraviolet rays. Corneal sunburn, growths on the outer surface of the eye, retinal-tissue damage, and other eye diseases are also known, or suspected, to be related to long-term exposure to UV rays.
