National Sunglasses Day is a commemorative date celebrating the importance of wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from the sun’s harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays. It’s a day to raise awareness about eye health and the necessity of UV protection while enjoying the style and benefits of shades.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: June 27th annually
- Tagged as: Eye health awareness day
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalSunglassesDay
- When was it founded?: Around 2009
- Who founded it?: The Vision Council
History of National Sunglasses Day
National Sunglasses Day was established by The Vision Council, a nonprofit trade association for the optical industry. The day was created to help raise awareness about the importance of wearing sunglasses as protection against the sun’s damaging UV rays. According to Google Trends, the term “National Sunglasses Day” first started trending in 2007, but it began being properly celebrated around 2009. Since then, the celebration has gained popularity each summer.
Timeline
- 14th century: Chinese judges used smoke-colored quartz eyewear to mask their emotions during court cases
- Late 19th century: Doctors began experimenting with amber or brown tinted lenses for people with light sensitivity
- 1929: Mass-produced sunglasses were first marketed by Sam Foster on Atlantic City Boardwalk
- 1936: Polarized lenses were invented
- 2009: National Sunglasses Day was established by The Vision Council
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 27 | Friday |
| 2026 | June 27 | Saturday |
| 2027 | June 27 | Sunday |
| 2028 | June 27 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | June 27 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | June 27 | Thursday |
How National Sunglasses Day is Observed
People celebrate National Sunglasses Day by wearing their favorite sunglasses and posting selfies on social media with the hashtag #NationalSunglassesDay. Many optical retailers offer special promotions and discounts on sunglasses. The Vision Council encourages participants to tag @TheVisionCouncil on Facebook and Instagram and @OpticalIndustry on X when posting their sunglasses selfies.
Fun Facts About Sunglasses
Sunglasses not only protect your eyes but also make you look more attractive according to science! They create facial symmetry, add an air of mystery, and have a historical link to glamour through their adoption by movie stars in the 1950s. Even inexpensive sunglasses can provide effective UVA and UVB protection if they’re labeled as “UV 400.” Additionally, wearing sunglasses helps prevent wrinkles by reducing squinting and blocking harmful UV rays from reaching the sensitive skin around your eyes.
Quiz
- When is National Sunglasses Day celebrated?
- Who established National Sunglasses Day?
- What percentage of UV protection should good sunglasses provide?
- In which century were the earliest forms of sunglasses used?
(Answers: 1. June 27th, 2. The Vision Council, 3. 99-100%, 4. 14th century)
FAQs
Do I need to wear expensive sunglasses for proper protection?
No, even inexpensive sunglasses can provide effective UV protection. Look for labels indicating “UV 400” or “99-100% UVA/UVB protection.”
Should I wear sunglasses on cloudy days?
Yes, UV rays can penetrate clouds and still cause damage to your eyes, so it’s important to wear sunglasses even on overcast days.
How do sunglasses prevent wrinkles?
Sunglasses prevent wrinkles by reducing squinting and blocking harmful UV rays from damaging the sensitive skin around your eyes.
Importance of National Sunglasses Day
National Sunglasses Day serves as a reminder of the critical role sunglasses play in protecting eye health. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to serious conditions like photokeratitis, pingueculae, and permanent retinal damage. By promoting the use of proper UV-protective eyewear, this day helps educate the public about preventing these conditions. The timing in late June is particularly appropriate as it coincides with some of the longest days of the year when eyes are at most risk of sun damage.
Related Celebrations
- UV Safety Month (July)
- Vision Health Month
- Eye Injury Prevention Month
- Healthy Vision Month
- Cataract Awareness Month