Why children should wear sunglasses

Our eyes are ten times more sensitive to UV light than our skin and children’s eyes are at the greatest risk of UV damage. Sun-related eye damage occurs in the early ages of childhood, particularly between the ages of 3 to 12 years old. Children receive three times the annual sun exposure of adults, increasing their susceptibility to UV eye damage. UV damage is cumulative and irreversible so it’s very important to protect children’s eyes as early as possible. David Cartwright, Chairman of Eye Health UK, comments: “We should all be aware of the harm UV can do to our eyes. Popping on a pair of sunglasses and applying sunscreen is a habit that benefits us all, children included, to prevent future avoidable sight loss.
David continues: “The simple precaution of ensuring children wear sunglasses will help reduce a child’s chance of developing eye problems such as macular degeneration and cancer of the eyelids later in life. It’s especially important for parents to safeguard their children’s eyes when they are playing on the beach or by water where there is a lot of reflected light.”