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| Kids should wear sunglasses |
It's a habit to slather kids in sunscreen and pop on their hats before they go out in the sun. But do your kids wear sunglasses? Have you ever wondered if they need to?
It's a good idea to wear sunglasses, because exposure to ultraviolet rays may raise his risk for cataracts and other eye problems later in life. But if your child resists, don't push it. A visor or a hat that keeps the sun out of his eyes might be a more workable choice than shades for babies, toddlers, and even some older kids.
Children under age 10 are at high risk for skin and eye damage from UVR. The skin on their eyelids and around their eyes is more delicate and vulnerable than adult skin. And until about age 10, the lens of a child's eye is clear, allowing greater solar penetration and thus greater UVR-induced ocular changes.
We need to teach children early the importance of wearing sunglasses – just as we teach them to brush their teeth and wear a seatbelt so that they develop good habits that last for life!
Fortunately, good sunglasses protect both the skin around the eye and the eye itself. While children under 6 months old should never be exposed to the sun, once they reach 6 months, they should wear sunglasses outside. If they require prescription glasses, they should also wear prescription sunglasses.
Here are some situations in which it’s important to remember sunglasses for your child:
- Remember to replace sunglasses once the lenses become scratched, and choose polycarbonate lenses, which provide extra impact resistance if your child will wear the glasses while playing sports.
- While playing outside in any season. The sun shines bright all year round and can be especially harmful during the winter months when the sun reflects off of white snow.
- Anytime your child will be around water, whether it be the pool, beach, or lake. Like snow, the sun reflects off of the surface of the water and can create a harsh glare.
- While your child goes to an amusement park or sporting event. Spending extended hours in an area with little shade requires the protection of sunglasses.
-Riding in the car. You wouldn’t think about driving around without sunglasses on when the sun was shining brightly and glaring off other cars, so don’t forget to shade your child’s eyes too. Even if they may be avoiding UV damage while in the car, sun headaches aren’t fun for anyone.
