National Sunglasses Day: #GetOutThereAndDoSomething
Established by The Vision Council, National Sunglasses Day on June 27 serves as an annual reminder to protect your eyes before heading outdoors for that “summer fun.” Through a survey about eye health, The Vision Council reported that American adults were concerned most about vision loss, but shockingly 27% percent reported that they don’t typically wear sunglasses. Crazy right? We’re all about being active outdoors, and skin and eye protection go hand-in-hand while enjoying Mother Nature’s offerings.
The American Optometric Association recommends choosing lenses that block out 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. It's important to match lenses color and keep the surfaces smooth and distortion-free. Depending on the outdoor activity, there are plenty of options when choosing protective eyewear. Polarized lenses are the best option and help reflect glare. Gray lenses provide proper color recognition. Blue-blocking lenses are a great choice for distinguishing long-distance objects or when boating, hunting or skiing. Photochromic lenses adjust for the amount of light.
Don’t forget that sunglasses are also a year-round necessity. The sun’s UV rays are always present, even when it’s cloudy out. The Vision Council reports that early afternoon is a common time for American adults to be outdoors, which also happens to be when the sun’s UV rays are at their highest. Just as UV and UVB radiation can affect the skin, the sun can be equally damaging to your optical health. Overexposure can unfortunately lead to cancer of the eyelids, cataracts or macular degeneration.
Taking the whole family on a trip this summer? Remember to protect your children’s eyes, too. Young eyes are especially susceptible to UV damage, yet most American adults report that they don’t make their kids wear shades. From babiators to Ray-Ban Juniors, there’s a trendy style for every child to wear and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that their eyes are getting coverage (don’t forget sunscreen, too!)
There's no better view than being on top of a mountain and looking out, or being on the ocean and staring out to the horizon. While you’re enjoying the beauty of this earth, whether it’s through hiking, fishing, kayaking, skiing, sledding, and more, make sure you’re giving your eyes the protection they need and deserve. If we had to pick, our top 4 sunglasses brands for outdoor sports and activities would be:
Don’t forget to visit us at x-wear.com for all your sunglass and outdoor needs and #GetOutThereAndDoSomething fun this summer!
