FACTS

• Ultraviolet radiation may cause injury to the skin and to the eyes. 
• Exposure can cause sunburn and prolonged exposure can result in aging of the skin and can even cause skin cancer. 
• This is particularly a problem for workers on farms, electrical linemen, seamen, and others whose work takes them outside a great deal. 
• The radiation is particularly hazardous in that one at first may not even be aware that the danger exists. 
• Conjunctivitis usually occurs 4 to 8 hours after exposure. Barrier creams and lotions give some protection for brief exposures.
• Cataracts – Research has linked UVB light directly to the development of cataracts, which occurs when the crystalline lens of the eye becomes gradually cloudy and opaque, potentially resulting in total blindness if not treated.

STATS

• Americans place comfort (65 percent) and affordability (54 percent) before UV protection (44 percent) when purchasing sunglasses.
• Parents are more likely to wear shades always or often (56 percent) than their children (29 percent).
• Many adults who rarely or never wear sunglasses (25 percent) report that they skip UV eye protection because they don’t own prescription sunglasses (41 percent).
• Millennials are least likely to protect their vision: 55 percent of people in their 20s never, rarely or only sometimes wear sunglasses.
• Americans’ only use sunglasses when they are outside for two or more hours (39 percent). 
• Americans are leaving their eyes exposed: only 14 percent are likely to wear sunglasses while watching outdoor sporting events and only 44 percent are likely to wear sunglasses at the beach.
• 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
• More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour.
• Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.
• When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent.