Kids, Sun, and Eyewear: Why UV Protection Matters More than You Think

Remember when we were kids and our parents would slather us head to toe with sunscreen before sending us to play outside in the summer sun? Those days were all fun and games until you got that tell-tale tingle of a sunburn on your little, not yet acclimated cheekbones (let’s not even talk about the nose!) But here’s a little titbit. Our delicate eyes are even more prone to sun damage than our skin. And our kiddos who think they are invincible, even more so!

So, pull out those fancy margaritas, sit back, and let Dr. Eye-Oh-So-Wise (yup, that’s me!) break down why sun protection for your little munchkins’ peepers is not merely a suggestion but a necessity.

The Nitty-Gritty of UV Rays

– An excessive amount of UV rays can lead to a whole list of problems for our eyes including cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eye cancer.
– Children are more susceptible to these conditions due to their increased exposure to the sun and their eyes’ inability to filter UV light as effectively as adults.
– Sun damage to eyes is accumulating and permanent. It’s not a “today’s sunburn will fade by next week” kinda thing.

The Power of a Good Pair of Sunglasses

– The right pair of sunglasses can block out 99-100% of harmful UVB and UVA rays, protecting your kids’ eyes from the harmful effects of the sun.
– Polarized lenses further cut down the glare, making them perfect for water and snow activities.
– Ensure you’re picking eyewear certified to offer 100% UV protection. Buzzwords to look out for – “UV400” or “100% UV protection”.

The Style Quotient

– Kids love fun styles! And sunglasses ain’t just about eye protection; they can be a fashion statement too.
– Chase the rainbow! Opt for bright, quirky colors and shapes when choosing eyewear for children.
– Strap on sunglasses are excellent for infants.

Don’t Forget, Indoors is No “Safe Zone”

– UV rays can penetrate through clouds and window glasses. So just because you’re indoors or it’s a cloudy day, doesn’t mean you can skimp on eye protection.

There you have it folks. Summer means we all – and our kids in particular – tend to spend more time under the golden sun. But while the warmth feels nice, the invisible UV rays are not doing your bright-eyed and bushy-tailed youngsters any favors. On the bright side (pun totally intended), today’s eyewear industry offers a diverse range of cute, sturdy and efficient sunglasses – so there’s no excuse not to protect your kiddo’s beautiful eyes.

Dr. Eye-Oh-So-Wise’s Hot Take:

You wouldn’t send your tiny tots outside without sunscreen, right? So why the Steve-Martin-in-“The-Jerk” silly notion that eyes don’t need the same level of consideration. It’s high time we give the protection of our kids’ eyes from harmful UV rays the attention it deserves. After all, while we can put a Band-Aid on a cut, and aloe on a sunburn, we can’t say the same for their eyes. So let’s turn the youngsters into little trendsetters, while also ensuring their eyes are shielded from the sinister sun. Eyewear with UV protection: It’s not just fashion, it’s function.

Frequently Asked Questions

– At what age should kids start wearing sunglasses? Infants’ eyes are highly sensitive to sunlight, so they can start wearing sunglasses as early as six months.

– Are all sunglasses created equal? Oh honey, if only! Always look for glasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. And don’t fall into the trap of “if it’s expensive, it must be good”. Price doesn’t always translate to protection.

– Can regular eyewear protect from UV rays? Not all eyewear offers UV protection. Prescription glasses usually do, but do consult your optometrist about adding a UV-blocking coating.

– Can UV rays harm our eyes in winter too? Indeed. Sunlight reflecting off of snow increases exposure to UV rays.

– Can UV rays penetrate through my window? Yes, ma’am, they can and they do. Hence, indoor protection is just as important.