Your Child Should be wearing sunglasses

Children need to protect their eyes just as much as adults, if not more. UV exposure can harm the eyes as well as the skin, and the cumulative effect of UV rays can be very damaging. Find out why your child should be wearing sunglasses:

 

  1. The lens of the child’s eye transmits about 70 percent more UV than the adult eye.
  2. The cells of the lens of the eye are never replaced; the proteins of the lens are never replenished. The lens cannot repair itself; damage accumulates over a lifetime.
  3. Kids under 10 are at a higher risk for both skin and eye damage, as their skin and eyes are more fragile.
  4. Children are outdoors much more than adults, so it is likely that over 1/2 of their life exposure to the sun will occur within the first 20 years of their life.
  5. Very bright sunlight – reflected off sand, snow, water or the pavement, can cause immediate damage to the cornea.
  6. Kids look up more, which means they are often looking into the sun.
  7. It is up to adults to train their kids on the damages sun can do. Like wearing seatbelts, not touching hot stoves… Children can be taught about sunglasses, but only if they have sunglasses.
  8. When children’s eyes get sunburned, unless it is severe, they will not feel the pain as they do with the skin. The warning signs are not so obvious.
  9. The long-term effects of sunburned eyes are cumulative and not reversible. Research shows cataract, pterygiums, macular degeneration and melanomas of older age begin with childhood UV and blue light exposure.
  10. Hats only protect from above, not below, where reflected UV from water, sand or concrete can do a lot of damage.
  11. With ozone depletion occurring as much as 12 percent per year in certain parts of the world, our children are at greater risk of UV than we were growing up.
  12. The variety of sunglasses for kids makes them easy and comfortable to wear. Quality sunglasses offer 100 percent UV and blue light protection,
  13. Sunglasses are cool … and fun!

 

Beckenham Optometrist has been operating in Avalon for 20 years now, dedicated to providing the best eye care and maintaining the health of your eyes we can help you look and feel your best. To book follow the link below or call us on 9918 0616. See Better, See us!