Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  The sun hits hard on the Alabama Gulf Coast in late June, and eye doctors say the combination of UV rays and glare from white sand makes protective eyewear more than a fashion choice. The Vision Council established National Sunglasses Day to raise public awareness of UV exposure and long-term eye health. This year, the holiday falls on a Saturday.

National Sunglasses Day is observed every year on June 27. This year, Saturday, June 27, 2026, falls at the start of a peak summer weekend along the coast.

The Alabama Gulf Coast lies near 30 degrees north latitude, where summer UV index readings routinely fall within the "very high" to "extreme" range. The white quartz-sand beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach worsen that exposure by reflecting sunlight back at beachgoers. Eye care professionals warn that repeated UV exposure increases the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis — a sunburn of the cornea.

Not all sunglasses block the same amount of radiation. Experts recommend lenses labeled to block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Polarized lenses further reduce glare, which matters on the water and on the sand.

Boaters face greater UV exposure than most. Sunlight bounces off the water's surface, in addition to hitting it from above. Fishing guides and charter captains in the area routinely list polarized sunglasses as essential gear.

The Vision Council notes that children need UV-protective eyewear, too, because sun damage accumulates over a lifetime. Parents taking kids to the beaches are encouraged to bring sunglasses for the whole family.

Several eyewear retailers are located here on the coast, and national chains often run promotions around the holiday. Optometrists also carry prescription sunglasses.