By Denis Langlois

June 27 is National Sunglasses Day.

An initiative of The Vision Council, the organization behind Vision Expo East in New York City and Vision Expo West in Las Vegas, the annual event is aimed at celebrating and promoting the importance of wearing ultraviolet-protective eyewear and sunwear.
The Vision Council says its goal is to see National Sunglasses Day promoted and recognized across the globe; “everywhere eyewear is purchased.”

The organization says a full day outside without shades can cause immediate, temporary issues, like swollen or red eyes and hypersensitivity to light.

Years of cumulative exposure, however, can cause much more serious conditions, like cancer of the eye or eyelid, and accelerate conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, the organization says.

There are many ways for eyecare professionals to help spread the word about National Sunglasses Day and the benefits of wearing shades when outside – whether in the summer or winter. Visit nationalsunglassesday.com for more information.