uv light and sunglasses
Posted on January 23rd, 2012
According to the World Health Organisation, up to 80 percent of a person’s lifetime exposure to UV is received before the age of 18. While parents are aware of the need to use sunscreen to protect their child’s skin, UV radiation can be just as dangerous to eyesight. But unlike sunburn, damage can occur painlessly over a long period of time.
UV light can lead to problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration, which are leading causes of blindness later in life, as well as pterygia (growth on the white of the eye) and skin cancer around the eyelids. The sun also produces blue light and very intense or bright light which are harmful to the eyes too.
Children are more susceptible to UV damage because they tend to spend more time outside. Also the lenses of their eyes are clearer and the pupils larger, allowing more light into the eye.
Wearing sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat can help protect the eyes by decreasing visible light (bright and blue light) and reducing glare to a comfortable level.
Protecting eyes from invisible and harmful UV rays
A wide brimmed hat can block a significant number of UV rays as it can reduce the rays that hit the eyes from above and around the sunglasses.
Choosing childrens sunglasses
- Only purchase sunglasses that block out 99-100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation. Sunglasses without UV protection may shade the eyes but cause the pupils to dilate letting in more harmful rays
- Make sure the sunglasses fit the child’s face and shield the eyes from all angles
- Choose lenses that are impact resistant and made of polycarbonate, never glass, unless prescribed by a doctor.
- Make sure lenses are not scratched or damaged.
- Wraparound sunglasses will protect eyes as well as the delicate skin around the eyes. Wraparound styles also give some side protection and will stay on better when children are playing.
Posted in tips for outdoors activities | No Comments »
