Unfortunately, many parents don't understand the importance of providing their young children with proper sunglasses. Allowing your children to venture outside in the summer heat wearing either no sunglasses at all or a cheaper pair of toy sunglasses is something you never want to do, and here are just four reasons why.
1. Children's Eyes Are More Vulnerable
Everyone understands that the human body changes as it ages, but few take the time to consider how the eye changes. In fact, the pupils are much larger in children compared to adults. As a result, UV rays are able to penetrate far more easily, putting the retina at far greater risk. In fact, it has been estimated that 80% of all UV exposure occurs before the age of 18, and this difference in pupil size is one of the central reasons why.
2. Children Don't Understand Sun Safety
As an adult, it's likely that you understand how dangerous it can be to look directly at the sun. Unfortunately, children might not have learnt those lessons yet. Even if they have, they will generally be more likely to forget them when they are outside enjoying the heat. Children typically spend more time looking up at the sun than adults, which clearly puts their eyes more at risk and underlines the importance of wearing proper sunglasses. They'll also be less likely to pay heed to any warning signs, such as eye strain and headaches.
3. Children Suffer the Most from Cumulative Eye Damage
UV damage to the eyes is serious at any age, but it's even worse if you're a child because the long-term effects associated with sunburned eyes are both cumulative and hard to reverse. Conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration might be commonly associated with older people, but they often get their start in childhood. As such, it pays to avoid such cumulative effects by giving your children proper sunglasses.
4. Children Need to Learn that Sunglasses Are Necessary
From eating right to wearing a seatbelt to brushing their teeth twice a day, the lessons children learn and the habits they pick up inform the rest of their lives. Wearing sunglasses is no different. Even many adults don't understand how important it is to wear sunglasses when the sun is shining outside, but you can help reinforce better behaviour in your children by underlining the importance of protective eyewear at an early age.
Share27 June 2017
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes ten years ago. Since my diagnosis, I have been committed to learning how to modify my lifestyle and adopt healthy practices, such as daily exercise and eating wholefoods, that help control my diabetes and improve my quality of life. I started this blog to connect with others living with this condition and to share what I've learned on my personal journey to better health. I also update the blog with the latest research and news relating to type 2 diabetes. If you have a specific question that's not been addressed in a blog post, feel free to send me an email.
