Sunglasses For Kids

By John L. Burns, OD

Eye Design Family Eyecare Center

More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles

Sunglasses For Kids

Children may not be as interested as adults are in the fashion aspect of sunglasses. But because kids spend much more time outdoors than most adults do, sunglasses that block 100% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays are extra important for children.

Because children spend significantly more time outdoors than most adults, some experts say that up to half of a person's lifetime exposure to UV radiation can occur by age 18.

And since excessive lifetime exposure to UV radiation has been linked to the development of cataracts and other eye problems, it's never too early for kids to begin wearing quality sunglasses outdoors.

UV rays aren't the only potential danger from sunlight. Recently, researchers have suggested that long-term exposure to high-energy visible (HEV) light rays, also called blue light, may also cause eye damage over time. In particular, some believe a high lifetime exposure to HEV light may contribute to the development of macular degeneration later in life.

Children's eyes are more susceptible to UV and HEV radiation than adult eyes because the lens inside a child's eye is less capable of filtering these high-energy rays. This is especially true for young children, so it's wise for kids to start wearing protective sunglasses outdoors as early in life as possible.

Sunglasses and tinted goggles help protect eyes from snow glare. Choose trivex or polycarbonate for your child's sunglass lenses, because they are very shatter-resistant.

Also, be aware that your child's exposure to UV rays increases at high altitudes, in tropical locales and in highly reflective environments (such as in a snowfield, on the water or on a sandy beach). Protective sunwear is especially important for kids in these situations.

Don't Forget the Accessories

During the selection and fitting of your child's sunglasses, the optician should explain the benefits of the sunglasses and how to care for them. Often, the optician will include or recommend cleaning cloths, solutions and a protective, hard-shell case to store the sunglasses in when they are not worn.

Sunglass cords are also a good idea. These can be attached to the temples of the sunglasses so that when removed (or knocked off), the sunglasses can hang from the neck and not get misplaced.

One important factor to remember is that sunglass lenses are impact resistant (as required by the FDA) but they are not shatterproof. Special frame materials and styles designed for rough activities are available as well for kids' sports eyewear and sunglasses.