<p>Subject line: Take a Close Look When Purchasing Sunglasses; UV Protection for Children a Top Priority</p><p>Hi XX,</p><p>After much of the United States experienced a long, miserable winter, Americans are looking forward to ditching their coats for shorts, sandals, and — sunglasses. The American Optometric Association (AOA) emphasizes the importance of picking sunglasses wisely, as protection from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays is the most important benefit of sunglasses.</p><p>According to the AOA’s 2014 American Eye-Q® survey, 41 percent of consumers do not check the UV protection level before purchasing sunglasses. The harmful effects of long-term exposure to UV are a real concern because it can cause damage to the eye, possibly resulting in cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, or an abnormal growth called Pterygium, also called “surfer’s eye.”</p><p>Although everyone should wear sunglasses when venturing outdoors, the need for children to protect their eyes from harmful UV is the greatest. The average child takes in approximately three times the annual UV exposure of the average adult and up to 80 percent of their lifetime exposure occurs before age 20. Unlike the lens found in an adult eye, which is more mature, a child’s lens cannot filter out UV rays as easily, causing damage to the retina. </p><p>With warmer weather approaching and more people enjoying the great outdoors, a story about UV protection and what to look for in a pair of sunglasses would be of interest to your readers. If you’d like to learn more about the importance of UV protection or to speak to an expert, please feel free to contact me.</p><p>Best, Contact Name Contact Info</p>