The end of the summer and the start of the school year means it is time to start packing away summer wardrobes, bathing suits, and beach supplies until next summer. But as you’re determining which items to store away for next year and those to donate, there’s one item you shouldn’t put away – sunglasses!
For parents, it’s sometimes easier to remember to keep sunglasses on hand all year long, often keeping a pair in the car or in a purse or diaper bag. But sometimes it’s hard to keep track of sunglasses or even just keep them on our kids’ faces. However, a look at some information highlighted in The Vision Council’s report, The Big Picture: Eye Protection is Always in Season, should encourage you to keep kids’ sunglasses handy all year long.
UV index can reach moderate to very high levels in August, September, and October, not just in the summer. And the report also points out that the eyes can receive almost double the amount of UV between the hours of 8 am and 10 am and 2 to 4 pm than that they are exposed to during the midday hours of 10 am to 2 pm.
But perhaps what’s more alarming are the statistics the report highlighted from a poll The Vision Council conducted earlier this year regarding “American’s UV knowledge and habits,” especially those concerning parents and their children. According to the poll, 75.3 percent of parents with kids under 18 revealed that they wear sunglasses to protect their eyes and the skin around them from the sun, but only 48.4 percent said they use sunglasses to protect their kids’ eyes and skin. Additionally, 40.5 percent of parents said in the same survey that they don’t look for “health- or safety-related information when purchasing sunglasses.”
Obviously, it’s more important than ever that we spread the word about the importance of sunglasses for all ages, all year long! So parents, don’t put those sunglasses away with the rest of your summer gear this year! It’s important to keep your kids’ peepers protected from UV exposure all year long with quality shades, as well as a hat, and of course, sunscreen for their skin. And if you happen to discover your kids have outgrown their sunglasses, hop on over to Real Kids Shades and pick up a pair. We offer shades with 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays in a variety of styles.