The eyes have it!

National Sunglasses Day is June 27

June 26, 2024

Glitter-laden or heart-shaped, sunglasses have become part of the image of entertainers like Elton John.

The aviator-style shades Tom Cruise sported in the 1986 movie “Top Gun” spiraled to popularity.

Former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis helped fashion the prominence of oversized sunglasses still popular today, sometimes worn by Lady Gaga and others.

Far more than being a fashion statement, sunglasses are essential to protecting one’s eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays.

In 12th century China, lenses for sunglasses were constructed from flat panes made of smoky quartz to keep out the sun’s glare.

Made in the shade, with new technology

“Nowadays, sunglasses are made very differently,” said Paul Meneghini, Enbridge’s manager of community engagement in Michigan.

“Michigan has a pivotal role in their manufacture. Sunglasses, eyeglasses, contact lenses—even safety goggles—are made possible in large part by the light crude oil and natural gas liquids transported safely each day through Enbridge’s Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac.”

Those between ages 18 and 34 comprise the highest (86.7%) segment of the United States population wearing sunglasses, according to the Gitnux Market Data Report 2024.

The raw products carried by Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline also contribute to the creation of more than 6,000 consumer products like medicines, cell phones, kayaks and fishing gear used for summer outdoor activities.

 

“Let’s all have healthy vision. Sunglasses can play a role in good eye care.”

—Paul Meneghini, Enbridge manager of community engagement in Michigan

Safety is a top priority

“At any age, safety is paramount,” said Meneghini.

“Protecting our eyes is as important as protecting our skin, so we encourage everyone to have sunscreen and sunglasses ready year-round.”

For eye safety, follow these tips:

• Wear sunglasses even on cloudy days, because UV rays still are strong.
• Prepare your child at an early age to wear sunglasses, as a child’s eye lens allows 70 percent more UV rays to penetrate the eye surface than does an adult’s lens.
• Always check the label on the sunglasses to confirm they provide UV protection.
• Wear appropriate protective eyewear when playing baseball, soccer or other outdoor sports.

Eye protection is critical

Annually, U.S. emergency rooms treat nearly 30,000 sports-related eye injuries, with 90% of serious eye injuries preventable by wearing protective eyewear, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Meneghini, who’s a native Michigander and resident, says he will be marking National Sunglasses Day this Thursday, by wearing his favorite pair of sunglasses.

“It’s an easy way to help protect your eyesight—sunglasses are just one step; yearly eye exams are another important way to have healthy eyes.”