Summer – the time of year when kids are splashing in the pool, running through back yards and through sprinklers. You’ve probably coated your children with sunscreen before they embark on their outdoor adventures and given them a good pair of sunglasses to protect their eyes from UV rays. But did you realize that there are the same dangers in your home?

Over 12 million Americans have children who may be receiving dangerous levels of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun when they sit near unprotected windows, according to a Harris survey conducted on behalf of the International Window Film Association (IWFA).

In recognition of Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month this August, consider taking action by having professionally installed window film applied to the windows of your home and vehicles to block these invisible, but dangerous UV rays.

According to The Vision Council, a child’s ocular lens cannot effectively filter out UV rays like the mature lens of an adult eye, so more UV radiation reaches the retina. Repeated exposure to UV light increases the risks of many eye issues including blurry vision and cataracts.

While many parents are careful to protect their children with sunscreen and sunglasses when outdoors, many are unaware of the dangerous impact the cumulative effect of unseen UV rays can have on their eyes, inside their home or car, at school, or on the school bus. Untreated windows may only protect the eyes from about 25 percent of damaging UV rays, while professionally installed window film blocks up to 99 percent of UV rays from penetrating through the glass.  A huge difference of protection for our children.

Professionally installed window film can be done in a few hours, is budget friendly, and energy efficient.   With window film additional benefits include lower energy costs, reduction of hot spots and protecting furniture and rugs from fading.

Just as summer goes by fast, children seem to grow up even faster. Take care in protecting their vision (and your home and car) starting now and enjoy the rest of your summer! To learn more about how to better protect children from the sun while at home, or on the road, be sure to download and read the IWFA’s Beauty Inside & Out e-Booklet and Consumer Guide to Automotive Window Film e-Booklet. To find professionally accredited window film installers near you, visit our Business Locator.   Happy Summer!