Sun Safety Beyond Sunscreen: Protecting Your Eyes and Skin from Florida's Year-Round UV
In St. Petersburg, where the sun shines intensely almost every day, we often associate sun protection primarily with skin cancer prevention. However, the sheer volume of UV radiation we receive here in Pinellas County poses a serious, cumulative risk to more than just our skin—it also affects our eyes, contributing to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Florida residents, particularly those who spend significant time outdoors, must adopt a comprehensive, layered approach to sun safety.
UV radiation is consistently high here, even on cloudy days and throughout the winter months. Simply applying sunscreen in the morning is not enough to protect you from the long-term effects of this relentless exposure.
1. The Critical Need for Eye Protection
Prolonged, unprotected sun exposure can damage the cornea and the lens of the eye, speeding up age-related vision decline.
- Wear Quality Sunglasses: Always wear sunglasses labeled as "UV400" or "100% UV Protection." This ensures they block both UVA and UVB rays. Darker lenses do not automatically mean better protection.
- Wide Coverage: Choose large, wraparound styles. They protect the delicate skin around the eyes and block rays that can enter from the sides.
- Hats Are Essential: Wear a wide-brimmed hat in conjunction with sunglasses. The hat blocks roughly half the UV rays from reaching your face and eyes.
2. The Sunscreen Rules for Florida Life
Because of the humidity, sweat, and water activity, application and re-application are vital.
- Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ Daily: Apply a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every single day, even if you are only going for a short drive (UV rays penetrate car windows).
- Reapply, Reapply, Reapply: Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or heavy sweating. Most people wait too long to reapply, especially when cycling the Pinellas Trail or sitting by the water.
- Use Enough: Most adults need about a shot glass full (one ounce) to cover all exposed areas of the body.
3. Routine Skin Checks: Your Best Defense
Given Florida's high rate of skin cancer, an annual full-body skin exam by a dermatologist or your primary care physician is a non-negotiable part of your preventive health schedule.
- Know the ABCDEs: Familiarize yourself with the warning signs of melanoma:
- Asymmetry (one half unlike the other)
- Border (irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined)
- Color (varied from one area to another)
- Diameter (larger than a pencil eraser, 6mm)
- Evolving (changing in size, shape, or color)
Enjoy the St. Pete sunshine, but treat it with the respect it deserves. Protect your eyes, layer your defenses, and stay on top of your annual screenings.
