UV Protection Tips Every Parent Should Know
The year is progressing fast and Easter will soon be here in all its glory. With the sun – and school – out, children can enjoy more time playing outside. While spending time in the fresh air can benefit your child’s health, it’s good to be aware of UV protection benefits as the weather improves.
Exposure to UV light can impact the health of your little one’s eyes. But, fear not – we have some great tips on how they can embrace the outdoors while staying safe. This blog will provide information on UV protection, why it’s so important, along with advice on ensuring your kid’s eyes stay bright and healthy in the sun.
How UV rays affect your child’s eyes
UV rays, or ultraviolet rays, are a type of energy from the sun invisible to the human eye. They are divided into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. While most of us are aware of dangers like sunburn, the potential effects of ultraviolet rays on the eyes, especially for youngsters, can sometimes be forgotten.
Protecting your child’s eyes from UV rays is an important part of supporting their eye health long-term. UV exposure can have both short-term and long-term effects, making it crucial to take preventative measures, such as using shades with UV protection.
In the short term, excessive UVB exposure can cause photokeratitis, a condition like sunburn to the eye’s surface. Symptoms are temporary but uncomfortable. They can include redness, blurred vision and sensitivity to light.
Consistent UV exposure over time can increase the risk of serious eye conditions, which is why sunglasses for kids are so essential. Children’s eyes are especially vulnerable due to a few key factors. Their pupils are larger and allow more light in while their eye lenses are clearer, meaning UV light can penetrate the eye more deeply. Over the years, this can lead to cataracts, where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, or macular degeneration, which causes central vision loss, significantly affecting quality of life.
With our tips, you can help reduce the risk of these conditions to your child’s eyes. Follow a few simple steps to help safeguard their vision for the future.
UV protection sunglasses
When it comes to protecting your child’s eyes from UV rays, not all sunglasses are created equal. Quality sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection are essential for blocking both types of ultraviolet rays and preventing long-term damage to the eyes.
Wraparound sunglasses are the most effective type when it comes to shades with UV protection. They offer an added advantage by providing superior coverage. Unlike traditional sunglasses, wraparound styles block UV rays from entering through the sides, top and bottom too, offering extra protection from all angles. This is especially important for children, who are often more active and exposed to sunlight from all directions when outdoors.
Additionally, it’s crucial to choose durable, impact-resistant lenses. Kids are always on the move, and sunglasses that can withstand the bumps and mishaps of daily play will ensure they continue to offer maximum protection. Opting for sturdy lenses means peace of mind, knowing your child’s eyes are shielded while they have fun outdoors. Our opticians in Potters Bar, Finchley and Temple Fortune have a great range of kids’ sunglasses.
Follow our UV protection tips
In addition to wearing quality sunglasses, there are several other simple ways to shield your youngster’s eyes from UV rays.
Monitor daily UV levels
Keep an eye on local UV levels, which can help you plan outdoor activities around the times when UV exposure is at its highest. This can help reduce exposure during peak times.
Wear wide-brimmed hats
A wide-brimmed hat can provide extra protection for both the face and eyes, blocking sunlight, especially when worn with sunglasses.
Seek shade
When taking breaks or during outdoor play, encourage your child to rest in shaded areas for relief from direct sunlight and less UV exposure.
UV-protective contact lenses
If your youngster wears contact lenses, look for lenses that offer built-in UV protection. While not a substitute for sunglasses, they can provide an extra layer of defence against UV rays.
Stroller sunshades for babies
For younger children and babies, using a stroller or pram sunshade is a simple way to guard their sensitive eyes from direct sunlight during walks or outings.
Follow these tips in cloudy weather
Clouds don’t protect against UV light – rays can still penetrate them, so make sure you follow our tips even on dull days.
By combining these strategies, you can help safeguard your child’s eyes from the sun while they enjoy their outdoor adventures free from any risks.
Arrange regular eye exams
The best way to keep on top of your child’s long-term optical health is to book them in for regular eye exams. While schools often carry out a vision screening, this is only a basic test that doesn’t check their eye health. Therefore, we advise bringing your child in for a full comprehensive eye exam where we will carry out a comprehensive eye exam.
Regular eye exams are the only way to be sure your child’s eyes have not been affected by UV light. While measures like UV protection sunglasses and hats are essential, prolonged UV exposure can have cumulative effects that may not be immediately noticeable. Some conditions mentioned, such as cataracts or macular degeneration, develop slowly over time, often without symptoms until they’re more advanced.
An eye exam allows our optometrists to assess your child’s overall eye health, looking for subtle changes or early signs of UV-related damage. Regular check-ups allow for early detection, ensuring that any issues are addressed promptly. During the appointment, we can also offer personalised advice on UV protection, such as recommending special coatings for prescription sunglass lenses to add extra protection.
Book an appointment
Make your child’s eye health a priority this spring – contact our opticians in Potters Bar, Finchley and Temple Fortune to book an eye exam. If they’ve had one recently, visit your nearest practice to make sure they’re kitted out with the right UV protection for worry-free fun in the sun.