The Vision Council: Americans Underestimate Eye Damage from Sun's Ultraviolet Rays

Nearly 30% Never Wear Shades, Leaving Eyes at Risk for Vision Damage

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May 20, 2014, 10:36 ET

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Many Americans are unaware of the vision damage caused by prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, according to The Vision Council's 2014 Sun Protection Survey. Long and short-term eye damage can be prevented with the frequent use of UV-protective sunglasses, a habit that less than half of Americans are practicing.

The Vision Council used data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Weather Service to map out the 25 U.S. cities with the highest UV concentration in 2013. More than 50 U.S. cities were analyzed for solar radiation strength, season, climatic conditions, ozone concentration, cloudiness and elevation. For daily UV index levels, visit The Vision Council’s website at www.missingsunglasses.com. (PRNewsFoto/The Vision Council)

"For the past four years, we've measured the public's knowledge of UV exposure to unprotected eyes. We continue to see gaps in awareness and sunglass use, which is troubling," said Ed Greene, CEO of The Vision Council. "We want individuals to make informed decisions early on so that they can keep their vision safe for years to come."

Key findings from the survey, based on interviews with more than 10,000 adults in 10 U.S. cities, include:

46 percent of adults report that they wear sunglasses only when it's sunny outside -- thus exposing their eyes to UV rays that are still present on cloudy days.
Of those respondents wearing sunglasses when interviewed, 35 percent did not know if their eyewear provided UV protection.
49 percent were unaware that prolonged exposure to UV radiation can accelerate the growth of cataracts.

Without UV-protective eyewear, individuals of all ages can suffer immediate, temporary issues such as swollen or red eyes, hypersensitivity to light and photokeratitis (familiarly known as sunburn of the eye). Further, years of cumulative UV exposure increases older adults' risk of cataracts and even age-related macular degeneration.

To mitigate the risks of UV-related eye damage, The Vision Council recommends the following:

Purchase sunglasses from a reputable source and look for a label on the lens or frame indicating UVA and UVB protection.
Look for lenses and frames designed for specific activities and lifestyles.
Visit www.thevisioncouncil.org for additional information about UV protection, sunglasses and eye health.

For more information on the methodology, click here.

About The Vision Council
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 health benefits, The Vision Council serves as a resource to the public looking to learn more about eyeglasses and sunglasses. For more information, visit www.thevisioncouncil.org.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140520/89384

SOURCE The Vision Council