You’ve got sunscreen – don’t forget sunglasses to protect your eyes this summer
Sunglasses can be cute and fashionable and they also protect your eyes. Going to the park or playground is also a great opportunity to teach kids about sun safety, including outdoor eye protection.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun causes damage to the skin, and it can also harm the eyes – leading to complications like cataracts or other eye diseases later in life. The more a person’s eyes are exposed to UV rays, the greater the long-term risk of developing eye cancer, cataracts, macular degeneration, and other potentially blinding diseases, according to the American Optometric Association.
The good news? Getting an early start on eye protection with proper sunglasses can reduce this long-term risk and prevent eye conditions from developing later in life.
“The earlier that kids start wearing sunglasses, the better,” said M Health Fairview Optometrist Andrew Ritter, OD, FAAO. “It helps if you can make it fun. Find them a pair in their favorite color or bright pattern. Have the whole family wear sunglasses, so kids can see you modeling that behavior.”
When shopping for lenses, look for a UV400 designation, Ritter said. This means that they filter out 99 to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B rays.
“Some lenses might be dark, but they don’t actually filter out UV rays,” Ritter said. “You don’t have to spend more money to find effective sunglasses, just make sure they have the UV filter. That’s the important part.”
For children, he also recommends sunglasses with a strap so that they are less likely to fall off or get lost. A wide-brimmed hat is also a helpful alternative for younger kids who have a hard time wearing sunglasses. While it’s important to discuss and model proper sun safety as a family, Ritter added that summer is also a time to talk with kids about the benefits of getting outdoors.
Research has shown a link between screen use and development of nearsightedness. This has to do with how close most screens are to our faces. Our eyes need to converge and focus – causing both temporary eye strain and, possibly, lasting nearsightedness.
