Sunglasses Are Important For Children

While most kids like to put on sunglasses when they play, there is evidence that this habit also has potential health benefits. For instance, doctors claim that wearing sunglasses from an early age can help to prevent eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. While these eye problems are associated with aging, the risks can be minimized. Buying your child a pair of children's sunglasses can help to keep these problems away.

UV Exposure Comes Early In Life

By the time a person reaches 18, he or she will have incurred more than eighty percent of their lifetime UV radiation exposure. The two most common contributors to this include playing on the beach and hanging out in the outdoors. However, exposure of the eyes to UV rays can be reduced if children learn to wear sunglasses when they are still young. While this may not seem important or even necessary to children, parents should know the importance of making sure that their kids always wear sunglasses when playing in the outdoors.

The Skin Cancer Foundation has evidence that children who are below the age of 10 are at a higher risk of developing eye problems from UV radiation. This specific group of children is at a higher risk because the crystalline lens of the eyes is still clear. This means that sunlight will cause greater ocular changes due to penetration of UV-rays. However after children reach 10 years, the lens of their eyes begins to change, becoming more opaque providing the eyes with better protection from UV radiation. That being said, parents should ensure that their kids always wear sunglasses that can block harmful rays from damaging their kids' eyes. These sunglasses can also prevent skin cancer from developing on the delicate skin around the eyes.

An important point to note is that children below 6 months should never be exposed to direct sunlight for any significant amount of time. However, after the sixth month, children should always have sunglasses when taken outdoors. Children who need prescription sunglasses can also get them. Damage to the eyes and the skin around the eyes and eyelids is caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. To prevent these problems from occurring, children should be taught about the importance of wearing sunglasses from an early age.

Sunglasses Shopping Tips

When looking for sunglasses to purchase, parents should look for stylish but also functional sunglasses that can block 99 percent to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays. Do not purchase any pair of sunglasses that does not have the percentage indicated. Ideally, you should purchase sunglasses that cover a bigger area of the face as opposed to those that cover the eyes only. Most children's sunglasses are designed to withstand any damage that might be caused by kids when playing.

Ideally, you should find sunglasses with lenses that are scratch resistant. Glasses designed for children should have plastic lenses instead of glass lenses. The frames should be durable and should hold on firmly to child's face. Parents should allow their teenage kids to choose their preferred sunglasses as long as they can give them sufficient protection from harmful UVA and UVB radiation.
While wearing sunglasses might help to keep away harmful rays, both children and adults should wear wide-brimmed hats to prevent sunlight from reaching their faces. This can go a long way to prevent skin cancer and premature wrinkles.

Children should also avoid playing for very long between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. This is because the sun is usually very intense during these times and the most UV rays are present.

Children's sunglasses are not expensive to buy but they can go a long way to protect children from harmful radiation. Doctors say that encouraging kids to wear sunglasses will help them to develop healthy habits for the rest of their lives.