Majority of Americans unaware of link between UV exposure, eye disease

More than 25% of adults never or rarely wear sunglasses, according to a report released by the Vision Council.

The new report, “Protection for the Naked Eye: Sunglasses as a Health Necessity,” details findings from 2,000 adults who were surveyed about UV damage and eye protection.

“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 eye wear available, so that more and more Americans are protecting their eyes,” Mike Daley, CEO of the Vision Council, said in a press release issued by the organization. Consumers of all ages need to be aware of these issues and the steps that they can take to prevent damage to the eyes throughout their lifetime.”

According to the report, utilization of sunglasses varied widely among the four major age groups included in the study.

"Millennials (born 1981to 1996): They are the least likely to report wearing shades always or often (43%) and, while they are the least likely to cite UV protection as a reason to wear them (55%), they are most likely to report wearing shades to look good (36%)," the report stated. "Generation X (born 1965 to 1980): They are much more likely than their younger counterparts to wear sunglasses always or often (56%) and to cite UV as a reason (65%). Fewer are concerned about looks (26%). Baby Boomers (born 1946 to 1964): 53% say they protect their eyes always or often with sunglasses, while 27% rarely or never do. They are highly aware of UV danger (61%) but do not care much about how they look in sunglasses (9%). Beyond Boomers (born 1945 or earlier): They are the most likely to wear sunglasses most of the time (58%) and the least likely to say rarely or never (20%). They also have the greatest knowledge of UV danger (70%) and the least concern about looks (7%)."

The Vision Council concluded that a knowledge gap and lack of awareness is contributing to the rates of protection seen in the survey. The organization has committed itself to educational efforts, including its partnership with Lifetime Fitness and its National Sunglasses Day on June 27, in order to inform consumers about UV-protective eye wear.