Natural Kids
Protecting Your Child’s Peepers
By: CB Staff Writer
How to choose the right pair of children’s sunglasses
Sure, kids look adorable in sunglasses, but that’s not the real reason you should make sure they wear them every day. Sunglasses can help save their sight by blocking damaging UV rays. Research has found that exposure to bright sunlight increases the risks of developing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and growths on the eyelids, including those that are cancerous. Children under 10 years of age are especially at risk as the skin around their eyes is more vulnerable and thinner, and their lenses are clear, which allows more UV rays to penetrate (the lenses become more opaque as we age).
The earlier you can start protecting your little one’s peepers, the better. While children under 6 months old should be exposed to as little sun as possible, after that they should start wearing shades whenever they’re outside for extended periods of time.
- Make sure they offer 100% UV protection: Lens color doesn’t matter, nor does a pair’s price. As long as the sunglasses you’re buying carry a tag that says they block 100% of the sun’s UV rays, they should be safe for little eyes.
- Check that they’re comfortable: If they aren’t, chances are the glasses won’t stay on for very long. Sunglasses should not be too tight or too loose and they shouldn’t pinch at the nose or the sides of the head. If your child is reluctant to wear her sunglasses, give her a pair that has a band that wraps around the back of the head to hold the shades in place. Also, try doubling up on protection by having her wear a wide-brimmed hat. Or give the glasses a short break: In a few days or weeks she might actually enjoy wearing them.
- Find a pair that wraps around the face: Sunlight can enter the eyes from the sides, so the best sunglasses wrap around, leaving as little of the eyes exposed as possible. This also provides extra UV protection for the skin.
- Look for strong, impact-resistant lenses. Scratch-proof and shatter-proof lenses will stand up to your child’s active lifestyle and countless drops on the sidewalk. You should also look for scratches or other wear and tear before you buy, as younger children won’t know to complain about compromised lenses.
- Let your child choose her frames: Kids are more apt to keep their sunglasses on if they have a hand in choosing their pair. Fun prints, characters from movies and bright colors can make sunglasses seem cool. Even mini versions of designer shades like Mom and Dad’s will make eye protection more exciting.