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The Bureau of Missing Sunglasses
A UV-Awareness Campaign from The Vision Council
A new report from The Vision Council found that more than 55 percent of adults in the United States lose or break their sunglasses every year. For these and the 27 percent of adults who do not ever wear sunglasses, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation could end up costing them a lot more than a new pair of shades. The report, Finding Your Shades, Protecting Your Vision, outlines trends in UV-protective behaviors like sunglass use, as well as the major health effects that can occur as a result of cumulative UV exposure, and the protective measures necessary to prevent them.
The report is just one component of The Vision Council's refreshed UV protection campaign, "Bureau of Missing Sunglasses," designed to increase public understanding of the harmful effects of unprotected UV exposure and to promote wearing sunglasses, or other UV-protective eyewear, year-round.
The campaign's official website, missingsunglasses.com, shows social media updates from people around the world who have lost their sunglasses and encourages those whose shades have gone missing to share their predicament using the #BOMS hashtag. The site also features a free iPhone app, PackLists, an interactive UV map, UV indicator widget and will soon have other online and mobile tools to help people find - or keep - their sunglasses.
This summer, The Vision Council will be bringing the UV awareness message to cities nationwide through its official Bureau of Missing Sunglasses street teams. Agents will be visiting more than 10 cities across the U.S. from May through October, with the first event planned May 24-26, in New York City. Street teams will hand out educational materials about the dangers of UV exposure as well as shopping tips for sunwear and other UV-protective prescription eyewear selection.
To learn more about the Bureau of Missing Sunglasses campaign, visit missingsunglasses.com.
Other Sun-Safety Tips and Resources:
- Report: Finding Your Shades, Protecting Your Vision
- Kids' UV Awareness Activity Kit
- "The Hidden Dangers of UV: Keeping Your Eyes Safe" (pdf)
- UV Protection
- Under the Sun (pdf)
- The Vision Council's Sun Safety Guide
Sunglasses
Sunglasses should be worn year-round for protection and performance. Whether they're wraparounds, rimless or studded with rhinestones, sunglasses are vital for shielding eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and diminishing glare that can cause distractions while driving, working and playing.
As a baseline, all sunglass lenses should filter UVA and UVB rays. Other lens options are also available based on personal preference, like polarized lenses, to prevent glare or tints that offer more comfortable vision.
The moisture-resistant materials used in contemporary sunwear frames prevent wear and tear. Metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium resist corrosion and breakage. Plastics, like nylon and zyl, are light enough for all-day wear.
Plano (non-prescription) sunglasses are sold at most retail outlets. A variety of styles, shapes and colors offer something for everyone and every budget. Many varieties of sunglasses can also be customized to match your prescription at an optical shop.
Alternatives to traditional sunglasses are also available, including larger frames that fit over prescription glasses, clip-on sunglasses, flip-up lenses and photochromic lenses which change from dark outdoors to clear indoors.
