| By :
Stephen Daniels
Inspired by popular film and TV stars, sunglasses are a necessary fashion accessory for many adults and children alike. But their function goes beyond fashion, for kids in particular: Many children develop irreparable eye damage due to a lack of protection from the sun at an early age. Pediatric ophthalmologists suggest a general rule of thumb for parents: If it's bright enough outside that they feel the need to wear sunglasses, their kids should be wearing them, too. Children's eyes are particularly vulnerable to intense light. Merely squinting or looking down isn't enough, especially in a world of reflective paint, glass and concrete. The abrupt shift from dark indoor settings to bright sunlight is jarring for the eyes. Many adults who currently have difficulty seeing when in very dark or very bright conditions can trace their eye problems to not using proper eye protection when they were younger. Some forms of blindness, corneal damage and other eye problems in adults can also be attributed to intense sunlight and sudden shifts in light intensity that they experienced when they were younger. Retinal damage is the most common problem, and can result from looking directly into the sun or reflected light during childhood. 70 percent more UV rays reach the retina in children than in adults, and this childhood retinal damage can also lead to the development of cataracts or macular degeneration when they get older. These risks underscore how important it is for kids to wear sunglasses and protect the health of their eyes. Fortunately, many of these dangers can be prevented by getting children into the habit of wearing sunglasses when they go outside, especially on sunny days. A variety of children's sunglasses are readily available in retail stores, along with countless options online. While kids should be able to choose glasses they actually enjoy wearing, the most important features to look for when selecting sunglasses is that they include both 100% ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB) protection. Many sunglasses do have protection against UVA solar rays, but UVB rays are just as damaging to the eyes and need to be blocked as well. Kids lead energetic lifestyles, so having them wear impact-resistant sunglasses that can withstand rough play is also important. Plastic or polycarbonate lenses with bendable frames that fit closely to the face are the safest, unless a doctor recommends glass lenses. Be sure to also buy durable lenses that won't pop out should a child fall while wearing them. Whatever their design or style, playground-proof glasses are the best way for children to protect their eyes while enjoying their active lifestyles.
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