Children spend a lot of time outdoors, enjoying school recess, sports and playtime. Many parents may pay attention to applying sunscreen to protect their skin, but they are a bit ambivalent about eye protection.
Can children wear sunglasses? Suitable age for wearing? Questions such as whether it will affect visual development and the effectiveness of myopia prevention and control need to be answered. This article will answer parents’ concerns in the form of questions and answers.
Should children wear sunglasses?
There is no doubt that children need sunglasses to protect their eyes during outdoor activities. Like the skin, UV damage to the eyes is cumulative. Children are more exposed to the sun and are particularly vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation. Compared with adults, children’s cornea and lens are clearer and more transparent. If you don’t pay attention to sun protection, it is likely to damage the child’s corneal epithelium, damage the retina, affect vision development, and even create hidden dangers for eye diseases such as cataracts.
WHO estimates that 80% of UV rays in a lifetime are accumulated before the age of 18. It also recommends that children should be provided with 99%-100% UV protection (UVA+UVB) sunglasses to protect them when doing outdoor activities. Infants should always wear In the shade. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies under six months of age should avoid direct sunlight. Take your baby under the shade of a tree, under an umbrella or in a stroller. Dress your baby in light clothing that covers his arms and legs, and cover his neck with a brimmed hat to prevent sunburn. For children over six months old, wearing UV-protective sunglasses is a good way to protect your child’s eyes.
At what age can children start wearing sunglasses?
In different countries and regions, there are different guidelines for the age of children wearing sunglasses. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AOA) does not set a minimum age limit for the use of sunglasses. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants under six months old should avoid direct sunlight and can choose physical methods for ultraviolet protection. At the same time, pay attention to small children. Avoid going out when the ultraviolet rays are the strongest. For example, from 12 noon to 2 pm is when the sun’s ultraviolet rays are strongest. Young children should go out less frequently. If you want to go out, you should try to wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your child from the sun, so as not to let the sun directly shine into your child’s eyes. Children over six months old can choose to wear qualified sunglasses with UV protection.
A spokesperson for the British charity Eye Protection Foundation recommends that children should start wearing sunglasses from the age of three.
How to choose sunglasses for children?
You need to consider 3 factors to make your choice.
1.100% UV protection: The American Pediatric Ophthalmologist (AAP) recommends that the children’s sunglasses purchased must be able to block 99%-100% of UV rays;
2. Appropriate color: Based on children’s visual development needs and children’s use range, it is recommended that children choose sunglasses with a large light transmittance, that is, choose light-colored sunglasses and sun visors, that is, light transmittance is classified into Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 Yes, don’t choose lenses that are too dark;
3. The material is safe, non-toxic and resistant to falling.
Will children wearing sunglasses affect myopia prevention and control effects?
The light level measured while wearing sunglasses is approximately 11 to 43 times that of the indoor environment. This light level also has the potential to prevent and control myopia. Outdoor activities are one of the means of preventing and controlling myopia. Literature has confirmed that outdoor activities of at least 2 to 3 hours a day can effectively delay the progression of myopia. However, it cannot be ignored that children’s eyes are also vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation damage. There needs to be a balance between eye health and myopia prevention and control, rather than pursuing extremes. There is support in the literature that light levels are much higher outdoors than indoors, even when wearing sunglasses, a hat, or in the shade. Children should be encouraged to spend more time outdoors and take sun protection measures to prevent myopia.
If you want to know more about glasses fashion trends and industry consultation, please visit our website and contact us anytime.
Post time: Jan-03-2024