Do children need to wear sunglasses?

“Do children really need to wear sunglasses?” The answer given by many experts is an unmistakable ‘yes’.

Children tend to spend more time outdoors than adults, especially during play and sports. During this time, they are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. Some experts say that by age 18, a person has received more than half a lifetime exposure to UV radiations.

UV radiations are of two types, the UVA and the UVB. Both can increase the risk of having age-related eye diseases, like cataracts and macular degeneration later in life.

UV radiations can also cause skin cancer of the face, affecting the soft skin of the eyelids and the area surrounding the eyes. In some case they can also cause ‘Surfer’s Eye’, a mild tumor in the eye, common in Australia.

Also, because of the delicate nature of a child’s eyes, their eyes are more prone to having a damaged retina if left without sunglasses. This is because the lens in a child’s eye is clearer than an adult’s, hence allowing the UV rays to penetrate more easily and affecting the eyes.

Even when the weather looks cloudy and it seems there is no sun, the UV rays can still pass through the clouds to affect the eyes, especially between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. That’s why it is important to encourage your child to wear their sunglasses as much as possible when outside.

If they insist that they don’t want to wear sunglasses, then ensure they wear a hat and sunscreen when out in the sun. It’s never too early for them to start wearing sunglasses, so ensure they wear them from an early age so they have better vision in future.

If you would like to get a pair of sunglasses for your child, please feel free to visit us in store. We will be more than happy help!