Children like to wear sunglasses when they play dress-up and making sunglasses a habit can actually be beneficial, say most doctors. Sunlight-related eye issues like macular degeneration and cataracts are associated with aging. However, researchers say our exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays over our lifetime determines our risk for these conditions. Purchasing a pair of children’s sunglasses and getting the child into the habit of wearing them can prevent issues down the road.
By the time children are 18 years old, they have incurred 80 percent or more of their lifetime exposure to UV radiation. Outside play and time spent at the beach during youth are two primary contributors. By wearing sunglasses that block UV rays, children limit their exposure to this radiation from sunlight. This may not seem like a big deal to the youngsters but it is very important to the adults who love them. Parents want their children to enjoy good vision throughout the years rather than experiencing vision issues related to UV exposure.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, children younger than ten are at high risk of developing eye damage from UV rays. Until this age, the lens of the eye is clear, permitting greater solar penetration, which results in greater ocular changes due to UV rays. After that time, the lens becomes more opaque, providing the eyes with better protection from these rays. UV-blocking sunglasses keep the rays from penetrating the eye lens. They can also help prevent skin cancer from developing on delicate skin around the eyes and on the eyelids.
Children under six months of age should never be exposed to the sun. From six months, children should wear sunglasses when they are outside. Prescription sunglasses are available for children who require prescription glasses. Since damage from UV rays accumulates over time, the sooner adults begin the sunglass-wearing habit with children, the lower the risk these youngsters have of developing eye problems.
When purchasing sunglasses for children, adults should look for a style that blocks between 99 and 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays. If the percentage is not indicated, do not purchase the glasses. In addition, opt for large styles that wrap around the face rather than those that cover less skin. The sunglasses should be designed for children and able to withstand some knocking around on the playground.
The glasses should have scratchproof lenses that are impact-resistant and will not pop out of frames. A plastic lens is safer than a glass one. The frames should bend for comfort but should also be unbreakable. Let older children and teenagers pick out their favorite style that meets these criteria. This way, they will be more likely to wear them when adults are not present. Have the child try on the sunglasses to make sure the fit is snug and close to the face.
Before purchasing glasses for young children, inspect them for warping, cracking, or other issues that distort vision. The child may not be aware of the issue to complain about it. Once the proper pair is selected, make sure children wear them whenever going outside. Have them put on the sunglasses before they leave home and instruct them to leave the glasses on during a car or bus ride. Adults can reinforce proper habits by diligently wearing their own sunglasses whenever they are outside the house.
Though wearing sunglasses is a good preventative measure, children can take things a step further by also wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Only rays coming directly through the lenses are blocked by the glasses. Rays can also enter from the top, sides, and bottom, reaching the skin around the eye. A wide-brimmed hat blocks these rays and shields the neck and face, helping to prevent skin cancer.
Children can also limit their exposure to UV rays by playing in shady spots when the sun is most intense. On a typical day, this is between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Some children actually prefer to play in the shade because the sunlight creates a glare when it bounces off playground equipment. Even with sunglasses on, this reflection can be annoying.
Children’s sunglasses are a very small investment, especially when one considers the benefits of wearing them. Letting children pick out their own sunglasses allows them to make a fashion statement with their protective eyewear. Doctors say that by teaching children how important it is to wear sunglasses, adults are encouraging them to develop a good habit for a lifetime.