Summer Sun Protection for Kids’ Eyes
Our Blistering Summer 2024 is half over! August Vacations are planned! Everyone is heading out to the park, the beach, or camping. Even though it is scorching, kids are always excited to be outside.
Eye Safety During the Summer Months – Preventing Eye Injuries
Although most of us know that too much sun exposure can lead to sunburns, many parents may not know that the sun is hazardous for children’s eyes. Sunburn affects the skin, so we use sunscreen. Similarly, we need to protect the sensitive eyes of infants and small children by having them wear sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, and protective clothing.
Children’s eyes are particularly vulnerable to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) and blue light radiation. Just being outside in the sun can overwhelm kids’ eyes.
Unlike adults, young children lack the awareness and understanding to avoid looking directly at the sun. This can damage the retina, a sensitive tissue at the back of the eye responsible for converting visible light into eyesight. Damage to the retina from sunlight exposure can occur rapidly and result in pain, vision loss, and long-term conditions such as retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Why Children’s Eyes Are More Susceptible
Several factors contribute to the heightened sensitivity of children’s eyes to sunlight.
– Lens Transparency: The lens in a child’s eye is more transparent than in adults, allowing more UV and blue light to reach the retina.
– Developmental Stage: Children’s eyes are still developing, making them more susceptible to damage from environmental factors.
– Behavioral Patterns: Children spend a significant amount of time outdoors and may not instinctively avoid staring at bright lights or the sun.
There is a simple way for kids to safely play in the sun – wear sunglasses
Parents should ensure that children wear high-quality sunglasses that block UV and blue light to mitigate risk to kids’ eyes. Here are some key points to consider when choosing sunglasses for children:
UV Protection: Sunglasses should block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. UV radiation can cause a range of eye problems, including photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye), cataracts, and cancer of the eyelids and skin around the eyes.
Blue Light Protection: Blue light, which is part of the visible light spectrum, can contribute to digital eye strain and has been implicated in the development of macular degeneration. Sunglasses that filter blue light can help protect the eyes from these potential hazards.
Fit and Comfort: Sunglasses should fit well and be comfortable to encourage consistent wear. Look for styles with wrap-around frames to ensure full coverage and minimize peripheral light exposure.   Â
Additional Protective Measures
While sunglasses are essential, there are other measures parents can take to protect their children’s eyes from the sun:
Wide-Brimmed Hats: Encourage children to wear hats with wide brims to provide additional shade for their eyes.
Shade Play: Plan outdoor activities in shaded areas, especially during peak sunlight hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Education: Teach children about the dangers of looking directly at the sun or bright glares, and the importance of wearing their sunglasses.
Look at the pages below for product suggestions for kids’ eye protection
While sunglasses are essential, there are other measures parents can take to protect their children’s eyes from the sun: Wear sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, and protective clothing.
(Every month the Eye Care Emporium newsletter publisher Brad Webb, PhD, posts a blog on eye care disorders or adverse conditions that affect our eyes and vision. The above article was published in our June Newsletter. You can sign up for our newsletters below).
Product Suggestions
During hot summer days, children should wear sunglasses and hats when outside. The summer sun is very bright and has too much UV intensity for children’s sensitive eyes and exposed skin. So, parents, please buy sunglasses and hats for your kids. You can click below for some easy online shopping ideas (we receive a small commission from your purchases using these links).