Protect Your Eyes | National Sunglasses Day
National Sunglasses Day – held annually on June 27 – is The Vision Council's campaign to raise awareness of the importance of wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Ultraviolet radiation can penetrate Earth’s atmosphere at any time and place, but certain regions have heightened radiation levels. UV rays are particularly strong near the equator, since they travel a shorter distance to reach Earth’s surface. Cities at high altitudes also share higher UV levels because the sun’s rays can easily penetrate the thin atmosphere.
To determine areas of high risk, The Vision Council analyzed national UV index levels from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Weather Service (NWS). More than 50 cities were evaluated for solar radiation strength, season, climatic conditions, ozone concentration, cloudiness and elevation. Below is a map showing the top 25 U.S. cities receiving the highest levels of UV exposure.
UV PROTECTION
- Eyes can be sunburned. Without protection, your eyes can be sunburned after exposure to harmful UV rays, leading to long-term UV-related eye damage. In fact, 75% of Americans are concerned about UV eye exposure, yet only 31% wear sunglasses when they go outside.
- Even on cloudy days, UV rays can infiltrate the eye causing strain and potential long-term damage. Lenses with a lighter tint offer the same UV protection with a higher light transfer than gray lenses for overcast conditions. Photochromic lenses offer the ultimate visual and UV protection as they change tint to match ambient light conditions.
EYE PROTECTION
- Less squinting means less strain in the muscles around the eyes. Over time, eye strain from sunlight can cause fatigue and headaches.
- Sunglasses act like windshields for the eyes blocking wind, dust and debris from entering your eyes during outdoor activities.
- Make UV protection a family affair. UV damage is cumulative, occurring over a lifetime of exposure. Children are extra vulnerable, so get them in the habit of wearing sunglasses early! This will help to mitigate serious vision problems in the future.
- To prevent UV-related eye damage, sunglasses should become part of each day’s “out-the-door” routine.
ACTIVE LIFESTYLE SUNGLASSES
Our Skytrail and Spinair series of glasses offer a range of fit, color, and lens options. In all, they provide a multitude of ways for you and your family to protect your eyes, improve eye comfort in bright conditions, and look awesome all the while.
PRESCRIPTION SOLUTIONS
In addition to our plano, non-prescription eyewear, we also offer a whole host of Rx solutions for your corrective eyewear needs. Prescription glasses can be enjoyed with clear lenses or any of the many lens technologies we offer. For more information and to better explore the options, please contact your local Rudy Project eye care professional.
