Even with new regulations on the labeling of sunscreen products to help consumers better protect their skin, many Americans are still unaware of the sun's damaging effects on their eyes. In fact, a survey by VSP® Vision Care found that while 68 percent of adults wear sunglasses outdoors, less than 30 percent of children wear sunglasses outdoors.

"The sun contains a wide spectrum of radiation, such as ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which damage the eyes the same way they damage the skin. However, much of the damage the sun causes can be prevented simply by wearing a pair of sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays," said Dr. Leanne Liddicoat, a VSP optometrist who stars in VSP Vision Care's EyeFiles™ web series.

UVA and UVB rays can cause cataracts and macular degeneration, and are believed to cause melanomas (cancerous growths both inside and around the eyes), all of which can cause blindness. UV damage is cumulative over time, so it's never too early or too late to start protecting your eyes from the sun, especially with young children.

"Parents wouldn't dream of bringing their children to the beach without sunscreen, and yet we often leave their eyes exposed to the same dangers of the sun," said Dr. Liddicoat. "I encourage parents to have their children wear sunglasses as soon as possible, as it's important to create healthy habits early."

Similar to sunscreen protection, sunglasses have certain requirements needed to best protect your eyes. When purchasing sunglasses for yourself and your family, Dr. Liddicoat offers the following tips:

-- Look for sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection.

-- Consider polarized lenses that cut down on glare from lakes, rivers, oceans and beaches.

-- Children's sunglasses should have a strap that keeps them secure on their face and keeps them from getting lost.

-- The more coverage the frame gives your face (both in size and how much it wraps around your face) the more protection you will receive.

Source: VSP Global