“Seeing” Ozone Depletion in a New Light

Climate scientist Dr. Peter Ward has made a startling connection between an increase of cataracts cases and the depleting ozone.

‘Ozone depletion is more damaging than we even knew, especially for eye health,” says Ward “New research shows it may result in up to 830,000 additional cases of cataracts by 2050 in the USA.”

By age 65, over 90% of people have a cataract and half of the people between the ages of 75 and 85 have lost some vision due to a cataract.

Why are these numbers growing? Ozone depletion over the United States has increased more than 5% since 1970 and in some recent years has been as great as 9% allowing considerably more UV-B radiation to reach Earth’s surface, causing increases in skin cancers and cataracts. Unique physical properties allow the ozone layer to act as our planet’s sunscreen, providing an invisible filter to help protect all life forms from the Sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. Exposure to more ultraviolet light can damage your skin and the lens in your eye significantly.

Scientists predict the negative health effects are going to get even more serious if we do not take the necessary precautions. Young adults and kids need to protect themselves before it is too late!  Dr. Ward is strongly urging Americans to be safe as we move into the summer months.