What is National Sunglasses Day?

Brought to you by The Vision Council, National Sunglasses Day – held annually on June 27 – is a commemorative date celebrating the importance of wearing ultraviolet (UV)-protective sunwear and eyewear.

How can you get involved?

Leading up to and on June 27, post a #SunglassSelfie of yourself in your sunglasses to the social media channel of your choice using #NationalSunglassesDay.

Even when you’re not observing National Sunglasses Day, you should still practice sun-safe behavior! Wear your sunglasses all year long – they’re not called “summer glasses,” after all.

Why is UV-protective sunwear important?

Every day millions of Americans make the conscious decision to not wear sunglasses or other UV-protective eyewear. While seemingly harmless, this habit carries serious vision risks, many of which are not known or understood by those who fail to wear protective frames.

UV radiation is often recognized as the culprit for sunburns and skin cancer, but most people don’t realize the damaging impact the wavelengths inflict on their vision. The problem originates with the sun’s unfiltered UV rays. Just as these rays can burn skin cells, they can also harm unprotected eyes. A full day outside without protection can cause immediate, temporary issues, such as swollen or red eyes, and hypersensitivity to light. Years of cumulative exposure can cause cancer of the eye or eyelid, and accelerate conditions like cataracts and age-regulated macular degeneration.

National Sunglasses Day serves as a reminder that sunglasses are a major health necessity – regardless of whether it’s sunny or cloudy, warm or cold – and spread the word that sunglasses and other UV-protective eyewear are key to protecting long-term eye health.