July is UV Safety Awareness Month, and a Canadian eye care organization is stressing the importance of using sunglasses not just during the summer, but all year long.

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society says Canadians aren’t wearing sunglasses often enough, citing a recent survey they conducted which indicates just two-third of the population wear sunglasses on a sunny day or during the summer months.

The survey adds that younger Canadians may not be taking enough precaution in protecting their eyes from harmful UV rays, with only a third of respondents saying their children regularly wear sunglasses during the summer.

UV rays have been linked to the development of cataracts, an eye disease that is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye that results in blurry vision and blindness if left untreated.

Tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon for more information.