Do My Kids Need to Wear Sunglasses?
The Top Reasons Children Should Wear Sunglasses and Tips for Buying the Best Sunglasses for Kids
Many childhood activities take place outside under the sun, from time on the playground to family beach trips. We know that kids should wear sunscreen and a hat when playing outdoors for extended periods, but should kids also wear sunglasses? At Visionworks, we believe that caring for your eyes should start as early in life as possible. Help your kids avoid the long-term risks of harmful UV light exposure. Here are the reasons children should wear sunglasses and seven tips for buying the right sunglasses for your kids.
Why Everyone (Including Kids) Should Wear Sunglasses
When it comes to sunglasses, many adults view them more as a fashion accessory than a form of eye protection. The Vision Council surveyed 10,000 people across the country, with only one in six individuals reporting that eye heath was their main reason for wearing sunglasses. Most everyone surveyed said that they chose to wear sunglasses to prevent glare or to accessorize their outfits. However, it is vital to protect our eyes from prolonged and cumulative exposure to damaging UV rays. Wearing sunglasses outdoors to protect our eyes is just as essential as wearing sunscreen to protect our skin.
Help Your Kids Avoid the Risks of Not Wearing Sunglasses
When we don’t wear sunglasses outdoors, we expose our eyes to damaging UV light rays that can lead to eye problems down the road. More people need to wear sunglasses outdoors, especially kids, whose eyes are at higher risk. According to The Vision Council, while 73% of adults wear sunglasses, only 58% of them make their children wear them. Long-term UV exposure can lead to the following eye health problems.
Photokeratitis
Photokeratitis is also known as sunburn of the eye or snow blindness. This eye condition results from ultraviolet light exposure creating a sunburn on the outer layer of the eye. Photokeratitis can occur in bright environments with increased glare, including the beach or snowbanks, and lead to discomfort and even temporary vision loss.
Pterygium
Pterygium is an abnormal growth on the eye’s surface that can itch, swell and impair vision. It is commonly referred to as surfer’s eye, because it is associated with increased exposure to sun and wind. Pterygium requires a surgical procedure to remove the growth.
Cataracts
Cataracts are the progressive clouding of the eye’s lens. This eye disease is caused by inherited genetic disorders as well as chronic conditions like diabetes, but exposure to UV rays increases the likelihood of developing cataracts.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is caused by damage to the retina, especially the center of the retina, which is known as the macula. Macular degeneration can eventually lead to vision loss. This condition can worsen over time—and exposure to ultraviolet light has been shown to accelerate it.
Cancer
Just like the skin on the rest of the body, the eye and eyelid are at risk of developing cancer from exposure to UV rays. Since sunscreen cannot be applied to these areas, it is essential to wear sunglasses for protection.
Why are Children More at Risk for Eye Damage from UV Exposure?
There are many reasons why children should wear sunglasses and the main one is to protect them from eye damage that can show up later on in life. The cornea, or the eye’s outer lens, cannot repair itself nor replenish lost cells or proteins. Therefore, damage accumulates over time. Kids spend more time outdoors than adults—and over half of their lifetime exposure to the sun likely occurs before they turn 20. Kids under 10 are at an even higher risk, because their skin and eyes are still developing and are more sensitive. Since kids are more at risk for UV damage, it is crucial to purchase the right pair of sunglasses for them.
7 Tips for Buying the Right Sunglasses for Your Kids
Schedule an Eye Exam
Before you buy a pair of sunglasses for your child, schedule an annual eye exam with your eye doctor. Make sure your child’s eyes are healthy and discuss sunglasses options with your eye doctor. Babies should be examined before they are 6 months old, at age 3 and right before kindergarten. Kids should have annual exams annually from age 5 on.
Look for UVA and UVB Protection
Ensure the sunglasses you choose offer both UVA and UVB protection and meet the requirements of the American National Standards Institute. There should be labels with this information. Cheaper sunglasses without UVA and UVB protection won’t protect your kids from the sun’s damaging rays and may actually do more harm than good. When we go from bright light to shade, the pupils of our eyes enlarge, letting in more light. Wearing cheap sunglasses lets more harmful rays into the eyes than wearing no sunglasses at all.
Choose Durable Sunglasses
Select sunglasses that are playground-friendly. Look for polycarbonate, impact-resistant and scratch-proof lenses and frames that bend, but won’t break.
Get Sunglasses with the Right Fit
Choose sunglasses with the right fit. They should be comfortable and sit close to your child’s face.
Select Cool and Practical Accessories
Sunglass accessories are a must for kids! Sunglass cords prevent sunglasses from getting lost and a case protects them when not in use.
Let Your Kids Make the Final Decision
Make sure your kids love their new sunglasses by bringing them into the decision-making process. Narrow down a few pairs that meet the requirements and let them pick the final style and color.
Buy a Backup Pair
Don’t get caught without backup sunglasses! Kids will be kids, so make sure to keep an extra pair of sunglasses on hand if they go missing or get damaged.
How to Encourage Your Kids to Wear Sunglasses:
Some kids are reluctant to wear sunglasses at first. Here are a few ways to encourage your kids to practice wearing sunglasses regularly.
- Set a good example and wear sunglasses yourself.
- Be the keeper of the sunglasses, so they don’t go missing.
- Make wearing sunglasses a fun part of the playtime routine.
- Consider light-reactive lenses that seamlessly adjust between bright and low light.
At What Age Can Kids Start Wearing Sunglasses?
Your children should start wearing sunglasses as early as six months old. Make sure they also stay protected with a hat and sunscreen when playing outside. The earlier kids get in the habit of protecting their eyes from the sun, the better!
Find the Perfect Pair of Sunglasses for Your Child
Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Claims regarding blue light efficiency are supported by manufacturer-provided test results.
