With Boomers Overwhelmingly Remaining in their Homes, Protecting Eyes from Indoor Sunlight is Critical Says the International Window Film Association

“More than 5 million Americans, Age 40 and Over May Have Cataracts from the Sun’s UV Rays and More Cases are Likely” – Washington, D.C. | December 17, 2012

With the Baby Boomer generation turning 65 every 8 seconds and 90 percent deciding to stay in their homes as they age, the International Window Film Association (IWFA) is warning consumers about indoor sun exposure and the increase in eye cataracts.

According to Prevent Blindness America, there is a 19 percent increase in cataracts in the U.S. in the 40 plus age-range, totaling some 24,409,978 million people. An estimated 20 percent of the cases, or about 5 million people, are from long-term UV exposure, according to the World Health Organization.

Harmful UV rays pass through unprotected windows and can cause eye damage that cannot be reversed. UVA rays penetrate much deeper into the eye and over a number of years of exposure, can cause substantial damage, according to the Vision Council.

With more people choosing to stay in their homes and remodel them to accommodate their needs as they age, updating windows with window film will prevent UV exposure and allow natural light to penetrate the living space without harm. Window film blocks up to 99 percent of harmful UV rays”, said Darrell Smith, executive director of the nonprofit IWFA.

Key trends that may add to the growth of cataract cases, include the desire by many to use natural daylight to illuminate their living spaces, a survey by AARP indicating that nearly all Baby Boomers plan to age in place in their homes, and as the IWFA points out, most windows do not provide protection from the sun’s damaging UV rays.

Window film lets the homeowner enjoy natural daylight safely and comfortably. It also provides protection from skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. A discussion of the benefits of window film can be found in the IWFA’s free consumer booklet: http://www.iwfa.com/ConsumerInfo/IWFAWindowFilmBooklet.aspx.

About the International Window Film Association
The International Window Film Association (IWFA) is a nonprofit organization of window film dealers, distributors, and manufacturers that facilitates the growth of the industry by providing unbiased research, influencing policy and promoting consumer awareness of the many benefits of window film.

Contact:

Steve Capoccia
Warner Communications
steve@warnerpr.com
617 372 1539