History of National Sunglasses Day
National Sunglasses Day takes place every year on June 27. The annual event aims to spread awareness about the importance of wearing sunglasses for ultraviolet protection.
Behind this mission is The Vision Council, an organization that encourages research, education, consumer outreach and advocacy within the vision care industry. The Vision Council encourages all member companies to observe and promote National Sunglasses Day.
No matter what kind of work you may do, everyone can and should celebrate the importance and benefits of wearing sunglasses.
Why is sun protection important?
There may be more benefits to lenses with 100% UV protection than you realize. Next time you put on your favorite shades, you can take advantage of the following:
- Protection from UVA and UVB rays
- Glare reduction
- Relief from eye strain
- Aid in preventing macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye diseases
- Protection against skin cancer in the area around the eyes
- Shade from bright sunlight, which can prevent headaches
- Protection from outdoor elements like dirt, debris and wind
- Wrinkle prevention
In addition to the health benefits, you can choose from dozens of frame colors and styles to fit your personal aesthetic. You can also customize most sunglasses with lens features and tints to help enhance your visual performance.
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How to choose sunglasses
When it comes to selecting a new pair of sunglasses, there are a few things to keep in mind. While frame styles and lens colors are important, you also want to make sure you’re getting the best protection for your eyes.
Here are a few tips when choosing your sun-protective eyewear:
- Set a budget for your sunglasses before you shop.
- Look for a label on the physical product or in their online description that ensures 100% UV protection or UV 400.
- Consider your lifestyle and activities when deciding if you want polarized sunglasses and other lens features.
- Know that a darker lens tint does not necessarily provide more UV protection.
- Opt for a pair of wraparound or oversized frames for maximum coverage.
Buying sunglasses online can sometimes be tricky because you can’t physically try on the pairs you like to see how they look on you. But many online retailers, including Eyebuydirect and Glasses.com, have virtual try-on features to help you as you shop.
DID YOU KNOW? You may be able to use your vision insurance for prescription sunglasses.
Celebrating National Sunglasses Day
It’s no secret that UV protection is crucial to your eye health. But spreading this simple message isn’t the only thing you can do to celebrate National Sunglasses Day. Here are some other ways you can observe the annual event on June 27:
- Protect your vision by using eyewear with 100% UVA-UVB lens protection.
- Educate yourself and others on the importance of sun protection.
- Spread the word about National Sunglasses Day on social media with the hashtags #NationalSunglassesDay and #SunglassesSelfie.
You can promote National Sunglasses Day through digital and printed materials too. In fact, The Vision Council offers a downloadable toolkit that companies can use to encourage people to observe the holiday.
Whether you’re part of a corporation or a bit of an average Joe, the most important way to celebrate National Sunglasses Day is to wear your sunglasses.
AAV resources for National Sunglasses Day
Even if it’s not June 27 (National Sunglasses Day), it’s always important to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. All About Vision (AAV) has many resources on the function of sunglasses, their current looks and past fashion trends, and how to determine their overall quality.
Unsure about what style of sunglasses you should shop for? A great place to start is to determine your face shape. Some sunglasses are more flattering on oval faces than square faces and vice versa.
At the end of the day, as long as they provide 100% UV protection, the best sunglasses for you are the ones you like the most!
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