NCL Offers Eye Health Tips for Summer Fun in the Sun; Sunglasses a Necessary Accessory

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WASHINGTON, July 10, 1997 -- Sunglasses aren't just accessories for the summer, they are necessary protection for your eyes, according to the National Consumers League. Consumers know about the danger of sun exposure to the skin, but many are unaware that the sun's rays can damage the eyes.

According to experts, UV-A and UV-B radiation can damage vision. Consumers can protect their eyes simply: Wear sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B.

"Sunglasses provide one of the best sources of UV protection," says Linda Golodner, president, National Consumers League. "While some UV-absorbing contact lenses are now available, they do not provide adequate protection from UV radiation and should not replace sunglasses. Sunglasses are still needed to cover the entire eye area, including eyelids."

In a new brochure released today and available for free (by calling 800-355-9NCL), NCL offers the following tips for purchasing sunglasses:

• Check the label for 99 or 100 percent UV protection
  
  
• Look for sunglasses that are close-fitting. These will prevent UV rays from filtering in.
  
  
• Look for larger lenses or wrap-around sunglasses to prevent light from entering in.
  
  
• Don't be misguided by price -- higher priced sunglasses usually reflect fashion or durability, not UV protection.
  
  
• Dark-colored sunglasses don't necessarily provide better protection. A chemical coating applied to the lens is responsible for UV protection, not the lens color.
  
  
• UV-absorbing contact lenses should not be used as substitutes for sunglasses.
  
  
• Children are more prone to sun damage to the eyes because their lenses are clearer.
  
  

Studies show that exposure to ultraviolet light can contribute to a number of ocular complications, including: photokeratitis, or "snow blindness"; cataracts; pterygium (a benign, abnormal growth on the eye's surface, which may require surgery if sight is threatened); and macular degeneration.

"As a general rule of thumb, if you're in enough sun to cause a sunburn, you need protection for your eyes," adds Golodner.

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America's pioneer consumer organization. NCL is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to representing consumers on issues of concern including fraud, health care, fair labor standards, food and drug safety, and telecommunications.

CONTACT: Cleo A. Manuel of the National Consumers League, 202-835-3323