Newest report finds one of three adults are overlooking sunglasses to protect eyes despite past harm.
The Vision Council is educating consumers on the eye health risks from exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays with the release of its newest UV protection report, “Spare Your Sight: Using Shades for Protection and Style.”
The report, released to 250 consumer reporters and editors, finds that three-quarters of Americans are concerned about potential eye problems from the sun’s UV rays, yet only 31 percent protect their eyes with sunglasses or other UV-protective eyewear every time they go outside.
“Our goal at The Vision Council is to raise awareness about the risks of exposure to UV rays, and the sunglass options and other UV-protective eyewear available, so that more and more Americans are protecting their eyes,” says Mike Daley, the CEO of The Vision Council. “Consumers need to be aware of these issues and the steps that they can take to prevent damage to the eyes throughout their lifetime.”
In addition to the newest edition of this annual consumer UV protection report, The Vision Council has also released a second version of the report designed specifically for members of the optical industry. This report focuses on the statistical findings from VisionWatch data in order to inform readers about consumer perceptions of UV effects and UV-protective eyewear.
“Many consumers make sunglass purchases based on style and comfort, but fail to check the label to make sure lenses are UVA/UVB protective,” says Mike Daley, the CEO of The Vision Council. “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.”
To view or download a copy of the report, “Spare Your Sight: Using Shades for Protection and Style,” visit thevisioncouncil.org/UV.