UV radiation is just as harmful to the eyes as it is to the skin. However, parents are far less likely to encourage their children to wear sunglasses than they are to ensure that kids are using sunscreen when playing outdoors.
Harmful Effects of UV on the Eyes
Exposure to UV light, whether directly from the sun or reflected off surfaces, like wet sidewalks, snow, and water, can lead to both short-term and cumulative effects, warns the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Short-Term Effects
- Photokeratitis. Painful sunburn of the cornea.
Cumulative Effects
- Cataracts. The lens of the eye becomes cloudy and blurs vision.
- Pterygium. A growth that begins in the corner of the eye that may extend over the cornea, obscuring vision.
- Skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma and other types of skin cancer may form on the eyelids, at the corner of the eye, or under the brow.
Choosing Sunglasses for Kids
The best way to prevent eye health problems to is make sure kids always wear sunglasses, whether the weather is sunny or overcast. Here are a few things to look for:
- UV protection. Shades should offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays, says The Vision Council.
- Comfort. Shades should be neither too tight or too loose, advises A Child Grows In Brooklyn. Choose a pair appropriate for your child’s age to avoid sunglasses slipping off his nose bridge.
- Lens material. Polycarbonate and Trivex are by far the strongest lens materials, says All About Vision. Plus, their lighter weight makes them a more comfortable option for kids who need prescription lenses.
- Style. If you let your kids pick their own sunglasses, they will be much more likely to wear the shades every day, advises KidsHealth. Just ensure that whatever your child chooses meets all of the above criteria.
All the sunglasses in the Real Kids’ collection are designed with kids in mind. As well as being comfortable and stylish, they offer 100 percent UV protection, feature impact-resistant lenses, and are extremely durable. Check out our range of shades to find the perfect pair.