National Sunglasses Day

National Sunglasses Day has been celebrated on June 27 since 2009.  The goal of the day is to let you know about the importance of wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes.  It’s super important in the summer since we tend to be outside more but you need them during winter as well.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology studies from 2018 showed that overexposure to the sun on unprotected eyes increases your risk of eye diseases.  Potential diseases include cataracts, macular degeneration, growths and even eye cancer.  

If you are someone who is out on water a lot, lakes, rivers or oceans, the sun reflecting on the water can give a sunburn to the front of the eye.  This is very painful and you could develop redness, blurry vision and sensitivity to bright lights.

Here are recommendations from the Academy to help you protect your eyes.

# 1 and most important.  Your eyeglass lenses must block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.

Consider getting oversized or wraparound-style frames to cover more of your eye.

Be careful.  Dark lenses don’t necessarily mean more protection from UV rays.

Athletes may need amber, green or gray lenses to help in their sport.

Polarized lenses can help you reduce glare driving in water or pavement.

Higher prices do not mean more protection.  Shop carefully.  Find a style that you like that also has the 99 to 100 UV protection.

Private Home Health Care wants you to learn so you can protect your eyes. Share images of you wearing sunglasses using #NationalSunglassesDay.