According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), nearly half of all eye injuries occur at home. While many of these injuries occur when an ambitious homeowner takes on home improvement projects without donning protective eyewear, there’s a less obvious, but no less dangerous, threat to eye safety in the home: the cumulative effects of the sun’s UV rays that enter through windows.

As part of National Home Eye Safety Month, the International Window Film Association (IWFA) suggests consumers have professionally installed window film applied to all of the windows in their homes to protect their family’s eyes from the damage caused by UV rays.

Untreated windows protect the eyes from only about 25 percent of damaging UV rays. As the AAO states, continued exposure to UV light raises the risks of many issues for the eyes, from cataracts to cancer. And since the damage is more cumulative than a homeowner hurting his/her eye with flying debris or dust, most people do not take precautions against UV damage. Consumers and their family members rarely wear sunglasses inside, even when the sun is at its most glaring.

Having window film professionally installed on a home’s windows can block up to 99 percent of UV rays from entering the home, protecting eyes from damage over time, while at the same time reducing glare and eliminating the need to squint when enjoying the view outside.

It is paramount that homeowners take precautions to protect the eyes against UV rays in the home, says optometrist Dr. Charles Gold, of Broadway Vision Center at 170^th of New York, New York. “Contrary to what many people think, glass itself does not provide ample protection from damaging UV rays.” Dr. Gold continued, “Bringing professionals in to install the right window film for your home is a proven way to reduce glare and the impact of UV rays on the eyes.”

While extremely thin and virtually invisible to the eye, window film provides powerful protection without altering the look of a home.  Though it can be tinted in several shades, homeowners can also opt for clear film, which does not alter the view in any way.

For more information on how professionally installed window film offers an affordable and highly effective preventative solution against eye-damaging UV rays.