Sunglasses: Wear them not just for style, but to protect your eyes too
Do you suffer from redness and swelling in the eyes? Do you
experience irritation too? Chances are you haven’t been protecting your
eyes from sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Overexposure to these rays can
result in dangerous health consequences. But there’s a way out. Wear
sunglasses to protect your eye and vision.
According to a nationwide survey in the US, one in three adults
overlooks sunglasses and as a result 34 percent people have experienced
symptoms of prolonged UV exposure such as eye irritation, trouble seeing
and red or swollen eyes.
The findings showed that only 31 percent of Americans protect their
eyes with sunglasses or other ultraviolet (UV)-protective eyewear every
time they go out in the sun. “UV damage to your eyes can start in as
little as 15 minutes,” said Justin Bazan, medical adviser to The Vision
Council -- the global voice for vision care products and services.
The research showed that even though Americans fear vision loss,
taking the protective measure of wearing sunglasses is not a high
priority. Only 14 percent are likely to wear sunglasses while watching
outdoor sporting events and only 44 percent are likely to wear
sunglasses at the beach.
Elements such as water, grass, concrete and snow can powerfully reflect UV light, which can be virtually as harmful as direct UV, say researchers. (Shutterstock) |
In addition, the survey revealed that Americans place comfort (65
percent) and affordability (54 percent) before UV protection (44
percent) when purchasing sunglasses. Parents are more likely to wear
shades always or often (56 percent) than their children (29 percent).
Many adults who rarely or never wear sunglasses (25 percent) report
that they skip UV eye protection because they don’t own prescription
sunglasses (41 percent).
Millennials (a person reaching young adulthood around the year 2000)
are least likely to protect their vision: 55 percent of people in their
20s never, rarely or only sometimes wear sunglasses.
UV radiation is present throughout the year, on sunny days and cloudy
ones, too. Further, elements such as water, grass, concrete and snow
can powerfully reflect UV light, which can be virtually as harmful as
direct UV, the researchers said.
“Many consumers purchase sunglasses based on style and comfort, but
when choosing a pair of sunglasses, it’s vital to check the label to
make sure lenses are UVA/UVB protective,” added Mike Daley, CEO of The
Vision Council.
To mitigate the risks of UV-related eye damage, people should make UV
protection a crucial consideration when buying sunglasses and look for
lenses and frames that are designed for specific activities and
lifestyles.
People should purchase sunglasses only from a reputable source and
look for a label on the lens or frame indicating UVA and UVB protection.
The Vision Council commissioned the VisionWatch Survey in December
2015, surveying 10,279 adults -- 18 and older about their sunglass use
and habits, and knowledge about the dangers of UV radiation through an
online survey tool.
“By highlighting the cumulative and irreversible damage UV
overexposure can cause, we hope to encourage Americans to make UV-eye
protection an everyday habit to preserve their eyesight,” the
researchers suggested.
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