Protecting Young Eyes from the Sun
An active kid may enjoy all kinds of play, whether it’s indoors or outdoors: recess, sports, or simply running around. If you live somewhere warm and sunny, your kid may spend many hours outside. You know that skin needs sunscreen to avoid sunburn, but have you ever thought about how important it is to protect your kids’ eyes? Do they need sunglasses, and why does it matter?
According to the American Optometric Association, nearly half of people don’t check the UV protection level when buying sunglasses. But UV rays can harm your kids’ eyes and even impact vision over time. A fun day outside can have consequences that show up years later.
Children wearing sunglasses matter not just on sunny days, but even when the ground is covered in snow or the sky is cloudy. They get more sun exposure than most adults each year, so their eyes face a higher risk of ultraviolet (UV) damage. UV light, which comes from the sun, is invisible but powerful. Since kids’ eyes are still growing, they can’t filter out harmful UV rays as well as adults’ eyes can. These rays can burn the surface of the eye, similar to how skin can get sunburned.
When you pick sunglasses, look for a sticker or label that says they block 99 percent or more of UV rays. Try different styles and colors—amber or green lenses can help if they play sports, since they make it easier to see contrast.
When kids are on the move, they need sunglasses that can keep up! Look for ones made of tough materials, like impact-resistant polycarbonate, with scratch-proof lenses.
Flexible, unbreakable frames are great because they’ll hold up to most activities and fit comfortably. For younger kids, don’t worry if the sunglasses come off sometimes. Just try to get the most wear when out in the sun for a long time, like at the beach.
Over time, too much UV exposure can lead to problems like cataract or macular degeneration in adulthood. Protecting young eyes now helps keep them healthier for life!
