National Sunglasses Day is June 27 – learn more about protecting your eyes
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Maui, Hawaii
My perfect day is on the beach with a book and a beverage – and my favorite sunglasses. I’m finally in a place where I embrace my need for readers so I frequently shop at Readers.com to find some really cool reading shades.
It’s important that you have the right sunglasses. According to a survey by The Vision Council, although 75% of American adults report being concerned about UV eye exposure, only 31% report wearing sunglasses every time they go outside. Learn how you can protect your eyes from UV exposure here.
Bilmore Estate | Asheville, NC
National Sunglasses Day, sponsored by The Vision Council, is commemorated annually on June 27 to raise awareness on the importance of wearing shades to protect your eyes from the sun’s harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Top 5 things you should know about UV eye protection
Despite the importance of always wearing UV-protective sunglasses while outside, many people are still unaware of these key points regarding UV eye protection. Follow these guidelines recommended by The Vision Council.
- Despite the health risks of UV exposure, not all sunglasses have UV protection. Since UV protection is crucial to shielding eyes from damaging radiation, it is imperative to look for a label, sticker or tag indicating UV protection before purchasing a pair of sunglasses.
- UV protection has nothing to do with the darkness or color of a lens. Wearing sunglasses with dark lenses without adequate UV protection can actually be worse than wearing no sunglasses at all because they cause the eye’s pupil to dilate, which then increases retinal exposure to the unfiltered UV.
- Children receive three times the annual sun exposure of adults, increasing their susceptibility to UV eye damage. And, unlike the mature ocular lens of an adult eye, a child’s immature lens cannot filter out UV as easily. The need for UV protection for children is compounded by the fact that it is easier to find youth sunglasses that do not provide adequate UV protection. That’s why parents should always have their children‘s sunglasses tested for UV protection.
- UV rays are just as dangerous on cloudy days as they are on clear days. Just like skin, eyes can accumulate harmful UV radiation on overcast days so be sure to wear proper eye and skin protection while outside.
- Similar to cloudy days, cold days also carry UV risk. The sun is present year-round, which means UV rays are a constant regardless of weather. UV rays can’t be seen, but their long-term effects are extremely damaging to the eyes.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Celebrate National Sunglasses Day on June 27 by posting a photo with your favorite sunglasses, tagging @TheVisionCouncil, and using #NationalSunglassesDay and #SunglassSelfie. For more information, visit nationalsunglassesday.com.
Tailgating at a Minnesota Vikings game
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Great info! I’ve never heard of this sunglasses brand before. I’ll have to check them out. Thank you!
Thanks! I really like them.
I love Readers.com. Their glasses are awesome!
I love them too! I’m nearsighted so need readers for reading so have purchased quite a few sunglasses readers for when I read outside.
I didn’t know about children’s eyes and UV rays. I may start making my kids wear sunglasses!
I really wasn’t aware either. The Vision Council provided some good information to help raise awareness.
I never used to wear sunglasses because I needed prescription sunglasses, but I got lasik and I don’t even understand how I survived before! It’s so important to protect your eyes
I’m sure it’s especially important to wear them after that type of procedure.
I love my sunglasses. They are prescription and I can’t see anything without them. LOL. It is so important to wear them. I wish my kids would keep them on.
My husband has prescription sunglasses and sometimes he’ll forget to bring his regular glasses with him so he’s been known to wear sunglasses at night – and once at the movie theatre!
Living in the Sunshine State, I am wearing sunglasses all the time!!
A must for all Floridians!
wow, shocked at #3! Thanks for sharing.
That one really surprised me also…something all parents should know, but probably don’t.
Thanks for sharing this info. I didn’t even think about how much more sun the kids get than adults. We need to protect their eyes just as much as our own.
I really didn’t think about it when my son was younger.
Great information!! Thank you for sharing!!!
I hate being without my sunglasses 😎.
I’m bad at wearing sunglasses. Thanks for the great information!
You’re welcome!
I’ve been hearing a lot about these lately… great info
Thank you!
I can’t go outside without my sunnies! I love my KZ polarized floatables!
Floatable is a great feature!
It is a great awareness to share. I wear my sunglasses all the time (outside). 🙂
Very eye opening! (Pun intended) I had no idea about the kids. That’s crazy.
🤣😎 I wasn’t aware the UV rays had such a greater impact on children either.
Good tips to keep in mind. Thanks so much for sharing those! Now that we’re spending more time outdoors, I need to take this stuff into greater consideration.
Thank you! So happy to hear it was informative.