By Julie Kubsch, Specs Around Town
Parents of infants and young children are very conscientious about protecting their child’s skin from the harmful rays of the sun. But what about protecting their eyes? While it’s important for everyone to protect their eyes from sunlight and ultraviolet rays, a child receives a much larger dose of harmful solar radiation than an adult. This is because the lens of a child’s eye is totally transparent and their pupils are very large. There is no natural protection in a child’s eye so up to the age of one, 90 percent of UVA and more than 50 percent of UVB rays reach the retina. Eyes are exposed to UV rays even when it is cloudy and also from the rays reflected by snow, ice, water, sand, and asphalt. This exposure can cause irreversible damage to ocular tissue.
Most adults know the benefits of wearing sunglasses and usually enjoy wearing them. But getting an infant to wear sunglasses is a learning process for both child and parent. Begin at a young age and it will become as natural as getting them into their car seat or putting on their jacket when it is cold. Your child will know that if you’re going outside, their sunglasses will be put on them! Sunglasses are not just a seasonal, “summery” thing — they should be worn year round. As children get older and more active there are a variety of straps that will keep them secure and in place. There are even straps that float and work perfectly to prevent sunglasses from sinking to the bottom of a pool or lake if you are boating or swimming!
Many cheap kids sunglasses (and, some adult sunglasses) do not filter ultraviolet rays. Besides not fitting properly and easily falling off their face, the dark lenses in cheap sunglasses actually cause pupils to dilate and eyes open wide to the sun’s harmful radiation. And, children absorb 70 percent more ultraviolet light in their retinas than adults. Inexpensive lenses are too thin and can warp when exposed to hot or cold weather. The warping then gives a distorted view of the world.
Expect to spend $25–50 for a quality pair of infant/toddler/youth sunglasses. The construction of the frame and lens quality is much higher than the 4 dollar pair at the gas station. Treat them with care and always put them into a case when your child is not wearing them. A great line to share with your child is “on your face or in the case!” If the diaper bag falls out of the stroller and the sunglasses slide across the sidewalk both the frame and lenses can scratch. Nothing is scratch proof. Sunglass lenses should be cared for just like regular prescription eyewear. If they are exposed to grit, like sand from the beach, rinse the lens surface well and then wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Do all the things you are probably already doing to protect your child from the sun, such as a having them wear a wide brimmed hat and using sunscreen and add a quality pair of sunglasses, and they will be ready for the outdoors and all it has to offer!
Julie Kubsch is an ABO Optician and owner of Specs Around Town. They offer the most unique eyewear and accessories in Central Illinois, including a line of children’s sunglasses. To find your perfect eyewear, contact Specs Around Town, 317 N. Center Street, Bloomington, IL, 309-827-7327 or www.specsaroundtown.com.
Photo courtesy of Specs Around Town