Most parents are aware of how important it is to protect their kids’ eyes from the sun in the summer. However, it’s easy to forget that UV rays can damage the eyes at any time of the year. As a result, it’s particularly important to protect against cold weather sun damage, especially when skiing or snowboarding. These recommendations from Huffington Post will help you maintain your children’s eye health this fall and winter.
- — Invest in a Good Pair of Sunglasses: The color of a lens makes no difference in the effectiveness of blocking sunlight, nor does the cost. Instead, look out for a label that specifies 100 percent protection against UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound styles are the best option as they reduce sunlight from entering around the sides.
- — Contact Lenses Offer Insufficient Protection: Even if your kids wear contact lenses with UV protection, they still need sunglasses. Contact lenses alone will only protect the small section of the eye that’s covered.
- — Don a Hat: UV rays can still reach eyes from above sunglasses. Whenever outdoors, make sure your kids wear wide-brimmed hats that shade their faces. This is important if their sunglasses do not wraparound.
- — Stay Out Of the Sun: If possible, avoid direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., when UV rays are at their most intense, especially at high altitudes.
- — Never Stare at the Sun: Your kids must never look directly at the sun. Even the light of a solar eclipse can cause temporary or permanent damage to a child’s eyesight.
- — Reverse Sun Damage: Most UV damage to the eyes is irreversible. However, a clinical trial sponsored by the National Eye Institute suggests that taking an antioxidant vitamin every day may protect people with a high risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.
Check out Real Kids’ collection of sunglasses to find a pair that will protect your children’s eyes from cold weather sun damage this season. Our polarized shades are perfect for spending time near reflective surfaces, such as snow and sea.