Children may not be as interested as adults are in the fashion aspect of sunglasses, but since most kids spend much more time outdoors and in direct sunlight than most adults, UV protection for their eyes is extra important.
Children should wear real sunglasses that indicate the UV-protection level just like adults. Children are particularly susceptible to UV exposure; the effects of UV radiation exposure are cumulative and can lead to eye disease later in life.
Many experts believe our eyes get 80 percent of their total lifetime exposure to the sun’s UV rays by age 18. Since excessive lifetime exposure to UV radiation has been linked to the development of cataracts and other eye problems, it’s never too early for kids to begin wearing good quality sunglasses outdoors.
Children’s sunglasses are available in a wide array of shapes, colors, and styles. Some kids love bright colors and fashion patterns in wacky styles while others adore scaled-down versions of adult styles. Does the color or style matter? Not really. As long as the lenses are clearly marked as capable of providing 100 percent UV protection or rated UV400, your children can pick any lens color and shade they like. For best protection, the use of wrap-around, close-fitting, large sunglasses, helps to reduce reflected UV radiation and glare.
Simply stated, if your child does not like the sunglasses, he or she will not wear them. Involving kids in the choice of protective eye wear can be a fun activity and insures you will find a style they will want to wear every day.