We all want to keep our children healthy and protect them from harm. For example, most of us slather sunscreen on our kids’ skin to protect them from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, many parents and children don’t realize that it’s not just their skin that needs protection from the sun. Their eyes do as well.
In fact, children specially need protection from the sun because their eyes haven’t developed enough to adequately protect them from UV radiation in the same way an adult’s eyes can. The lens of a child’s eye allows 70% more UV rays to enter it than an adult’s eye lens. Just one day in the sun without protection can lead to irreversible UV damage.
Fortunately, there are ways you can effectively protect your child’s eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. At ABC Children’s Eye Specialists PC, Dr. Brendan Cassidy and our team have five recommendations.
Sunglasses not only look adorable on kids, but they also help block dangerous UV rays. And don’t skimp on their glasses, either. Buy ones labeled “100% UV Protection.” Make sure they fit snugly and well. and also opt for wraparound styles for full sun protection.
Along with sunglasses, hats look pretty cute on kids as well. They also help further block out dangerous rays. Choose a snug-fitting hat with a broad rim. According to the Prevent Blindness organization, wearing a hat can cut the amount of UV rays that reach the eyes in half.
If possible, seek out shade during the sun’s peak, strong hours, especially during the summer. The sun’s power hours are usually midday to early afternoon, about 10am to 4pm.
If your child is still cruising around in a stroller, make sure it has a shield or cover on it. You don’t want your child to be exposed to direct sunlight while you’re taking them for a ride in the stroller.
There is no such thing as a cloudy day for UV rays. These harmful beams of light can still penetrate clouds. It’s important to be conscious of sun protection all year round, even in cloudy and snowy weather.
For more information on how to protect your child’s eyes, in or out of the sun, call ABC Children’s Eye Specialists PC to make an appointment at one of our three convenient locations in Mesa and Phoenix, Arizona. You can also request an appointment online, or send Dr. Cassidy and our team a message here on our website.
