[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9995]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING NATIONAL SUNGLASSES DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 27, 2017

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National 
Sunglasses Day. When it comes to protecting the eyes from the sun's UV 
rays, sunglasses with lenses that offer UVA/UVB protection are so 
important. Individuals--regardless of age--should always wear 
sunglasses during daylight hours, as UV rays are present year-round, 
despite the season. Unprotected exposure to these UV rays may cause 
serious vision problems. In the short-term, individuals may experience 
sensitivity to light, trouble seeing, sunburnt eyes or eyelids, 
irritated eyes, and red or swollen eyes. While in the long-term, 
individuals may experience cataracts, macular degeneration, and even 
cancer on or around the eyes.
  Today I want to honor the sunglass manufacturers and suppliers 
throughout my Sacramento Congressional District, the State of 
California and around the country. California accounted for nearly 14 
percent of all Plano sunglass unit sales from March 2016 to March 2017, 
and is home to a variety of optical industry leaders. I commend the 
sunglass industry and their trade association, The Vision Council--
which includes 92 members hailing from the state of California--for 
their ongoing research and outreach campaigns to educate consumers 
regarding the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays to the eyes, as 
well as the sunglass and lens solutions available to maintaining 
healthy vision.
  Since UV damage cannot be reversed, prevention through protection is 
key. Schedule an annual eye exam to talk to your eyecare provider about 
your UV eye health, and join The Vision Council, the greater optical 
industry and the National Sunglasses Day movement by donning sunglasses 
not just today on June 27th, but every time you go outside.

                          ____________________