7 Reasons Why Kids Need to Wear Sunglasses
Medically reviewed by Jakub Odcházel, DiS., Chief Optician, on 9 Apr 2019. Written by Lentiamo
Sunglasses are cool — yes — but the real reason why our kids should wear sunglasses is to protect them from UV radiation.
Every time I walk down the streets of a busy city centre, it amazes me how many adults wear sunglasses – but their kids don’t.
Like most parents, you protect them every few hours with sunscreen, right? You don't want them to get sunburnt and that's understandable, but what about your child's eyes?
Here are 7 reasons why kids sunglasses are necessary
1) Sunglasses protect eyes against solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR)
You all have heard about the negative effects of UV rays. There are three kinds of UV rays and only two reach the Earth. UVC wavelengths are absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere, but here's why UVA and UVB rays are so dangerous.
Harmful effects of UVA rays
- UVA rays cause skin ageing, wrinkling and contribute to skin tumors, such as melanoma, which is by far the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
Harmful effects of UVB rays
- UVB rays cause sunburns, cataract (when the eye lens looks clouded), but also have a negative effect the immune system.
2) Sunglasses protect from dust
Sunglasses help to keep dust, pollen or debris out of your child’s eyes. Especially in dusty environments such as the playground or the beach.
3) Sunglasses protect against UV reflection
Sand and pavement reflect UV rays even under an umbrella. Reflective surfaces can reflect most of the damaging sun rays.
4) Sunglasses protect against eye strain
If your child doesn't wear sunglasses in the sun, they may begin to squint in response to the excessive brightness. This causes tension around the eyes and forehead and leads to eye strain and headaches.
5) Sunglasses protect your kid's eyes from an early age
Did you know that we get 80% of our UV exposure as kids, while playing outside?
That is cumulative over a lifetime, and that's why it's important to start early, to protect one's eyes.
6) Wearing sunglasses becomes a good habit for your child
We learn so much from an early age. As a parent we constantly tell our kid:
- Don't pick your nose.
- Don't hold your breath.
- Wash your hands before eating.
- Brush your teeth after eating.
- Share your toys with your friends — right, that's what we wish they did…
So why not teach your child the good habit of wearing sunglasses?
7) After all, it's also about style.
Ok, this has nothing to do with eye protection but, just like their fashionable parents, kids wanna stay up-to-date with the latest fashion trends.
And they look so cool!
The most frequent question parents ask about kids' sunglasses
Does my kid need to wear sunglasses?
Yes.
When you step outside and you feel like protecting your eyes by wearing sunglasses, your kid will have the same need.
Children won't tell you that they need sunglasses, but they will squint because of the bright light, which may lead to eyestrain and headaches.
What are the characteristics of good kids' sunglasses?
Same as for adults, sunglasses for kids, should provide:
- 100% UVA/UVB protection
- High-quality, durable frames
- Comfortable fit
What other protection is there for my child, in addition to sunglasses?
As well as wearing sunglasses, it’s advisable to stay in the shade and, when that's not possible, make sure they
- Wear a hat.
- Apply sunscreen.
- Limit their time in the midday sun.
- Seek shade whenever possible.
- Avoid sunlamps and tanning parlours.
Sunglasses and hats provide good protection for children — the application of sun cream becomes necessary on those parts of the body that remain exposed, such as the face and hands.
