Top 10 Reasons Why Children Should Wear Sunglasses

Does your child wear sunglasses? Here are the top 10 reasons why they should be:

1. The lens of a child’s eye transmits 70% more UV than the adult eye. That puts their retina at a larger risk for damage.
2. Kids under 10 are at a higher risk for both skin and eye damage because their skin and eyes are more fragile.
3. The cells and protein of the eye’s lens are never replenished. Damage accumulates over a lifetime. The earlier kids wear sunglasses, the less damage later on in life.
4. Children are typically outdoors much more than adults. A large percentage of their sun damage will occur within the first 20 years of life.
5. The long term effects of sunburned eyes are dangerous. Cataracts, macular degeneration, and melanomas are caused by UV exposure.
6. Because of the ozone depletion, children are now at a greater risk of UV exposure than earlier generations.
7. Because of their size, children look up more, this means they are constantly looking upwards towards the sun. Very bright sunlight and reflections can cause immediate damage to the cornea.
8. Hats only protect from UV rays coming from above, NOT below reflections from water, sand, concrete, etc.
9. Inexpensive sunglasses cause the pupils to get larger (dilate) behind the lens trying to find more light. If the lenses are not properly UVA & UVB rated, the larger pupils are allowing MORE harmful UV rays to enter the eye.
10. Getting into the good habit of wearing sunglasses also protects eyes from wind, debris, dust, and accidents. There are also impact resistant materials in some sunglasses that can help protect children playing sports.

“Exposure to UV rays reaches the peak during summer days from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. so it’s best to avoid the sun during those times,” cautions Ophthalmologist Dr. Daniel Dodson of North Oaks Eye Care Clinic. ”If you don’t, you increase the risk of cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and growths on the eyes, including cancer.”

For more information on how to protect you and your family’s eyes from the sun, speak with your health care provider or call North Oaks Eye Care Clinic at (985) 230-3937.

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