On sunny days, most adults wear sunglasses when they are outside. But, how often do you see children wearing sunglasses? It is very rare and this should not be the case. Children just like adults need to protect their eyes. In the summertime it is extremely important that children wear sunglasses in order to prevent eye damage caused by the sun's rays, warn ophthalmologists. Ophthalmologist’s opinion is that the eyes are the most affected by the harmful solar radiation to our 18 years, because in that period to 80% of life activities involves exposure to UV rays. Some parents encourage their children to wear sunglasses. This may last for a short time. Often, those sunglasses get lost or broken.
"The sun's rays can cause various problems, including eye irritation, cataract, and even cancer. In addition, a good pair of sunglasses can protect the skin around the eyes from wrinkles", experts say. What is important to note is never too late to start to wear sunglasses. Ophthalmologists say that people with blue eyes have a higher risk of visual impairment due to exposure to the sun, but also people with brown eyes need protection.
To protect your eyes from the sun all year long, follow these tips:
-Sun damage to eyes can occur anytime during the year, not just in the summertime, so be sure to wear UV-blocking sunglasses whenever you are outside.
-The sun’s rays can pass through clouds, so don’t be fooled by clouds.
-Never look directly at the sun, because these can lead to solar retinopathy, which is damage to the eye’s retina from solar radiation.
UV damage can come in many different forms and can lead to:
-Photokeratitis and photoconjucitivits
Photoceratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, while photoconjuctivitis refers to an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and eye socket). These inflammatory reactions usually appear within a few hours of sun exposure. They can be very painful, but they’re reversible and do not result in any long term damage to the eye.
-Cataracts
The leading cause of blindness in the world is cataracts. This progressive clouding of the lens of the eye can cause slow vision loss. Cataracts can be surgically removed and an artificial lens or other means of optical correction can restore vision.
-Macular degeneration
UV sunrays can damage the macula of the eye. This can blur vision and dull colors.
-Pterygium
Pterygium is growth of the conjunctiva on the surface of the eye. It may extend over the center of the cornea and thereby reduce vision. It can itch, swell and be bothersome. Surgery may be necessary to remove it, but the outgrowth tends to recur.
-Cancer of the eye
Different forms of eye cancer may be associated with long exposure to the sun. Most frequent malignant cancer of the eyeball is melanoma. On the eyelids is common basal cell carcinoma.
Here’s some good reasons why children should wear sunglasses:
-Kids under 10 are at higher risk for eye and skin damage;
-The lens of the child’s eye transmit about 70% more UV than the adult eye;
-Very bright sunlight – reflected of sand, snow or water can cause immediate damage to the cornea;
-Kids are often looking into the sun;
-The long-term effects of sunburned eyes are cumulative and not reversible;
-Hats only protect from above, not below, where reflected UV from water, sand or concrete can do a lot of damage;
-Quality sunglasses offer 100% UV and blue light protection.
When buying sunglasses, both for children and for adults, the price is not what is crucial, but glass that provide protection from the sun's rays. Also, pay attention to comfort, and style, as you so often coax children to wear sunglasses and so protect their eyes.
