Shade Your Eyes from the Spring Sun - Wearing Sunglasses can Protect Eyes from UV Rays

April 19, 2012 - PRLog -- Alexandria, Va. (April 16, 2012) – The sun is shining and the weather is getting warmer. Spring is here at last. Since 39 percent of people don’t protect their eyes from the sun in the winter , heading out into the spring sun might mean finding where you left your shades last summer. The Vision Council’s Bureau of Missing Sunglasses offers tips and tools to help you keep track of your sunglasses, recover missing ones, and protect yourself from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Serious eye conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye) and pterygium (an abnormal growth on the eye) can be the result of cumulative damage from UV rays. Wearing sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection can help prevent short and long term effects of UV-related eye damage.

“Every day – whether it is sunny or cloudy, and despite the season – we are exposed to harmful UV radiation from the sun,” said Ed Greene, CEO of The Vision Council. “Keeping our eyes safe from UV rays is as easy as wearing sunglasses, and it’s the best protection we have.”

If you haven’t seen your sunglasses since last summer, there are a few things to consider before picking out the next pair:
•   Buy from reputable retailer. They’ll meet frame and lens safety criteria set by the American National Standards Institute.
•   Insist on protection from UVA and UVB rays since both can damage vision.
•   Go for comfort. Sunglasses that don’t feel right are less likely to get worn.
•   Think about your activities. Some lenses and frames are better suited to certain types of sports or work.
•   Select a lens color that improves clarity and reduces glare. Different colors and tints work in different ways.
•   Pick a design that works for you. For extra protection, wraparound glasses or glasses with larger temple pieces help block the sun from side angles.

UV radiation can’t be seen or felt, and over time, it has a damaging effect on eyes,  which can leave missing sunglasses with a lasting effect. If you or someone you know has missing or damaged sunglasses, report the incident online by using the #BOMS tag, like us on Facebook and check out our tools you can use to keep track of your shades and keep your eyes safe. For more information about protecting your vision from UV rays visit www.missingsunglasses.com.


Serving as the global voice for vision care products and services, The Vision Council represents the manufacturers and suppliers of the optical industry through education, advocacy and consumer outreach. By sharing the latest in eyewear trends, advances in technology and advice from eyewear experts, The Vision Council serves as a resource to the public looking to learn more about options in eyeglasses and sunglasses.