The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends sunglasses to protect children’s eyes beginning at the age of 6 months. Before a child is six months old, it’s recommended that they aren’t exposed to the sun.
Sunglasses are vital for protecting a child’s eyes from UV rays. It’s especially important for children under ten years old for two reasons.
- First, the skin around the eyes is very vulnerable and delicate, even more with younger children.
- Second, the lens of a child under 10 is clear. The sun’s rays can penetrate the lens easier than when the lens becomes opaque, which provides more protection.
Remember These Things When Buying Sunglasses for Children
Kids need sunglasses. They need to protect their eyes. Buying sunglasses for children might be a tad more complicated than buying them for yourself, but with these tips, you’ll find the right pair that looks stylish and performs well.
- Look for lenses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Choose glasses that indicate what percentage of protection is provided. Ideally, you want a pair that blocks 99 to 100 percent of the rays.
- Go for large frames, because the more skin you cover, the better.
- Kids will break their frames and lenses. Look for impact-resistant and scratch-proof lenses that won’t pop out of the frame. Plastic lenses are safer than glass, and they’re lighter, making them more comfortable. Bendable frames that won’t break are the best.
- Choose glasses that fit snugly.
- Once you give your kids parameters, let them choose their own frames. They’ll be more likely to use them if they like them.
- Get a sunglass cord or retainer. If the glasses fall off during an activity, they’ll drop to around their neck instead of to the ground.
- Your optometrist can help you find stronger, more durable sunglasses designed for rough activities, such as baseball, football, or swimming.
Child Sunglasses Trends
Kid’s sunglasses today are often smaller versions of adult frames, making them stylish, fresh, sophisticated, and trendy.
Vibrant colors are on-trend, not bubble-gum colors that stand out. Clip-ons are even available for prescription eyewear, to give kids more options.
Some companies also have brand appeal, teaming up with Disney and other famous cartoons to make eyeglasses and sunglasses appeal to children.
Sunglasses are just as crucial to your child’s health as brushing their teeth and wearing a seatbelt.
Developing good habits when they’re young pays off as they grow up. It’s estimated that up to half of a person’s lifetime exposure to UV radiation occurs by age 18.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UV radiation damage builds over time. By protecting your child’s eyes at a young age, you prevent future eye problems that could show up much later in life.
Find Quality Sunglasses
Look for performance and functionality from your child’s sunglasses first. Then, choose a style.
If you need help choosing the right pair of sunglasses, talk to our team at Precision Optical in Tulsa. We can check lenses to ensure they provide UV protection and help you find a great pair from one of the many brands we carry, like Maui Jim.
