Our natural defence barrier against UV light is the lens inside the eye, which filters out the harmful radiation. A child’s eye, unlike an adult’s, is still maturing, so their “filter” is less effective. Children should start wearing sunglasses at a young age because they spend so much time outside in the sun! Allowing children to choose a pair of sunglasses that is both stylish and comfortable can encourage them to wear sunglasses.
Why Children Need to Wear Sunglasses
Children spend a significant amount of time outside during school recess, sports, and playtime. You’ve probably sent them out with sunscreen to safeguard their skin. For kids, there are small eyeglasses frames for sale and these can help your children while playing games.
Reduce risk of Eye Damage
Children get more sunlight exposure per year than adults. This increased sun exposure raises the risk of eye damage from ultraviolet (UV) light, which is an invisible electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. Children’s eyes, unlike adult eyes, are still starting to mature and cannot filter out harmful UV rays as efficiently.
Reduce the Growth of Harmful Tissues
The eyelids and skin around the eyes of children are more delicate and vulnerable than adult skin. UV ray damage accumulates over time. Cataracts and age-related macular degeneration are long-term eye problems that can blur vision, dull colours, and lead to the creation of a pterygium, which is a non – malignant growth of tissue on the layer of the cornea.
Reduce Short Time Physical Effect
Too much UV light can also cause some short-term physical side effects, such as photokeratitis, also known as “snow blindness.” When UV rays reflect off sand, water, ice, and snow, or if you stare at the sun, this happens. Photokeratitis is similar to getting a sunburn on your eye.
Protect Skin Around Eye
Sunglasses, luckily, will protect both the skin all around the eye and the eye itself. Take into account requiring your children to wear sunglasses on a daily basis. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can cause eye damage.
What to Look for to buy the Sunglasses
When choosing sunglasses for your children, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Search for UV Protection.
Sunglasses should meet the American National Standards Institute’s ANSI Z80.3 guideline, which clarifies UV protection and impact strength. Choose sunglasses that block 99 percent to 100% of UVA (long-length) and UVB (short-length) rays. Look for sunglasses with a large wraparound style that cover a lot of skin. If your children require corrective lenses, consider photochromic lenses, also known as transition lenses, to remove the need for sunglasses. When exposed to sunlight, photochromic lenses automatically change from clear to darkened. These lenses completely block the sun’s UV rays.
2. Make Certain that the Sunglasses are Long-lasting
Active children require impact-resistant polycarbonate sunglasses with scratch-resistant lenses. Frames should be able to bend but not break. Check that the fit is snug.
3. Think About your Activities
Some sunglasses have amber or green lenses that can boost contrast, which is useful for sports.
4. Allow Children to Choose
If children are allowed to choose their own sunglasses, they are more likely to wear them. Allow them to choose from a few pairs of sunglasses.
5. Be in Charge of the Sunglasses.
When their children’s sunglasses are not being worn, parents should keep them in a safe place to avoid them being lost, broken, or forgotten.
6. Pay Attention to your Children or Observe Them
If your children refuse to wear glasses or sunglasses, observing their behaviour or talking to them further may reveal the barriers, such as poor fit or discomfort while going to wear them.
7. Lead by Example
Your eye health is critical. Set a good example for your children by wearing sunglasses on a regular basis and making it a part of their routine.
Final Verdict
Wear broad hats and sunscreen on your children as an added layer of protection to reduce their UV exposure. UV rays that pass through the lenses of sunglasses are blocked. UV rays can also reflect off surrounding surfaces, causing skin damage around the eyes, ears, forehead, and cheeks. A suitable hat and sunscreen can provide protection from the sun from both above and below. In Short When your child is 6 months old, they should start wearing sunglasses. When older children are outside in any environment, they should wear sunglasses.