Happy National Sunglasses Day!
National Sunglasses Day is held annually on June 27 as a reminder that our shades are a health necessity and it is important to wear sunglasses or other UV-protective eyewear every day to protect long-term eye health.
Here is what the Vision Council says in its website dedicated to National Sunglasses Day:
UV radiation is often recognized as the culprit for sunburns and skin cancer but most people are oblivious to the damaging impact the wavelengths inflict on our vision. The problem originates with the sun’s unfiltered ultraviolet (UV) rays. Just as these rays can burn skin cells, they can also harm unprotected eyes. A full day outside without protection can cause immediate, temporary issues such as swollen or red eyes and hypersensitivity to light. Years of cumulative exposure can cause cancer of the eye or eyelid, accelerate conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
The best sunglasses look cool – and protect your eyes! Take a closer look at yours and make sure they’re doing their job… To protect your eyes from harmful solar radiation, sunglasses should block 100 percent of UV rays and also absorb most HEV rays.
Not sure – bring them into Art and Science of Eyewear in Downtown Lafayette, and ask one of our many certified opticians to take a look!