With the (eagerly awaited) arrival of sunny days, AsnaV is sounding the alarm: according to the National Association for the Improvement of Sight, adolescents are more interested in the aesthetic aspect of their sunglasses… only by protecting their eyes.
In the latest visual health barometer (produced by the OpinionWay agency), we first learn that 76% of 16-24 year olds have sunglasses. This is a little less than the French average, which peaks at 79% …
In addition, when it comes to choosing a pair of sunglasses, the aesthetic criterion is cited first in 7 adolescents and young adults out of 10: this constitutes an increase of + 16% compared to 2015. The health criterion , he is only mentioned in second position …
Keratitis and cataracts
Still, protecting your eyes from the sun is essential – especially at the beach and at the beach. Mountain, where the refractive conditions of sunlight are special. When the cornea (this transparent cap located on the surface of the eye) is too exposed to UV rays, the keratitis occurs, very painful inflammation.
And when the lens is regularly and intensely exposed to UV rays, it ages more quickly and becomes cloudy. From the age of 65, this bad habit can turn into cataract.
Fortunately, according to the OpinionWay 2016 barometer, parents are much more responsible: when choosing sunglasses for their children, 66% of them look first at the health criterion. A figure that is still down 11 points compared to 2015 … On the other hand, 84% of French people wear their sunglasses when driving and 65% take them out in town as soon as the sun appears.
AsnaV’s advice? When buying a pair of sunglasses, check that the CE marking (accompanied by protection category 3 or 4) is present, preferably engraved on the frame. And seek advice from a optician !
Source: AsnaV press release.
