UV Damage and Children

Kid’s eyes are at risk for ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage.

Here are 13 reasons why children should wear sunglasses:

1. The lens of the child’s eye transmits about 70% more UV than the adult eye, putting their retina at a larger risk.
2. The cells of the lens of the eye are never replaced; the proteins of the lens are never replenished. The lens cannot repair itself; damage accumulates over a lifetime causing cataracts and other eye conditions.
3. Kids under 10 are at a higher risk for both skin and eye damage, because their skin and eyes are more fragile.
4. Children are outdoors much more than adults, therefore it is likely that over 1/2 of their life exposure to the sun will occur within the first 20 years of their life.
5. Very bright sunlight – reflected off sand, snow, water  or the pavement – can cause immediate damage to the cornea.
6. Kids look up more, which means they are constantly looking into the sun.
7. It is up to adults to train their kids on the damage sun can do. Like wearing seatbelts and bike helmets; children can be taught about sunglasses, but only if they have them.
8. Children will not recognize the injury or damage of a sunburn on the eye like they do with a sunburn of the skin.
9. The long-term effects of sunburned eyes are cumulative and not completely reversible. The development of  cataract, pterygium and macular degeneration begin with childhood UV exposure.
10. Hats only protect from above, not below, where reflected UV from water, sand or concrete can do a lot of damage.
11. With ozone depletion our children are at greater risk of UV exposure than we were growing up.
12. The variety of sunglasses for kids make them easy and comfortable to wear. Quality sunglasses provide 100% UV protection.
13. Sunglasses are cool.