Eyes Exposed! A Pilot Investigation of Sunglass Use among College Students

Background: Optical damage can occur from prolonged, unprotected exposure to the sun's rays. Lens color and design is an important consideration in eyeglass selection and subsequent protection. Little is known about college students understanding of proper protection and current use of sunglasses, yet they are a vulnerable population. 

Method:  A mixed methods, cross-sectional study was conducted on a private university campus in Florida. Students on campus were independently observed(n = 60) and surveyed (n = 70). Questions were designed to investigate the student’s behavior and knowledge of sunglass protection. The observations included use and style of sunglasses by students at the pool.

Results: Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS software. Findings indicated that 93% of those students who owned sunglasses owned a style that left them vulnerable to exposure from the sun’s rays. Similarly, 49% of the sample owned sunglasses with a lens color that was not protective of eye health.  Survey data indicated that only 37% of students wore sunglasses seven days a week, yet the majority of students (85%) perceived sunglasses as necessary for optical protection. Seventy percent (70%) of the students perceived their sunglasses as being protective against optical damage.  In the observation data, 38% of students wore sunglasses at the peak ultraviolet ray exposure time of the day.

Conclusion: Young adults lack knowledge and behavior practices of effective optical protection measures. Credible, relevant and timely information should be incorporated into college wellness programs. Compulsory standards for manufacturers are also needed to ensure proper protection.