Cool kids don cool shades
Protecting Kids' Eyes from Summer Sun
We all need some sun exposure; it's our primary source of vitamin D, which helps us absorb calcium for stronger, healthier bones. It doesn't take much time in the sun for most people to get the vitamin D they need, but we are often in the sun much longer than necessary, especially children.
According to Dr. Blaine Zieman, MeritCare optometrist and president of the North Dakota Optometric Association, most children rack up at least 50 percent of their exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays before age 18. He says, "Kids tend to be out more because they have the time to be out, so their exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can be higher."
Unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can cause eye damage as well as skin damage, immune system suppression and even cancer. Even one day in the sun can result in a burned cornea (the outermost, clear membrane layer of the eye). Cumulative exposure can lead to cataracts later in life (clouding of the eye lens which decreases vision) and possibly macular degeneration (central vision is blurred, dimmed or lost). While MeritCare Eye Centers have optometrists and board-certified ophthalmologists to address these concerns, prevention is the best medicine. The best way to protect young eyes is by wearing sunglasses.
When it comes to children wearing sunglasses, Dr. Zieman says, "The earlier, the better." But getting a toddler to don a pair of sunglasses is no easy feat! Yet Dr. Zieman says it's possible. "While older kids want to look cool and stylish in sunglasses, you can't just tell younger kids that it is good for them. Instead mom and dad need to offer encouragement and get children involved in the process as they pick and choose a pair."
Many manufacturers make fun, multicolored glass frames or frames embossed with cartoon characters. MeritCare optical shops carry such frames at both of their locations. And don't forget that kids want to be like grown-ups. Dr. Zieman adds, "If parents act as models and make sunglasses fun, you'd be surprised how well children do."
But it starts with comfort. If sunglasses pinch the nose or the weight irritates the ears, then off they go! "Keep it practical," Dr. Zieman advises. "With younger wearers, know that sunglasses will get some wear and tear."
Beyond comfort, protection is crucial. Not all sunglasses provide the same level of ultraviolet protection; darkened lenses without special UV filters just trick the eyes into a false sense of safety. The best sunglasses block 100 percent of UV A & B rays and offer polycarbonate lenses, which are shatterproof, unlike glass lenses.
Once kids have a pair they like, they should wear them during the hottest and brightest times in they day, usually 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If kids spend time at the lake, sunglasses are a must. That's when Dr. Zieman says that UV rays come from above and below, directly from the sun and reflected off the water's surface.
If kids refuse to don the shades, there are alternatives. Brimmed hats will reduce exposure but won't block UV rays. Some contact lenses can block UV rays. Contact lens manufacturers include a sun protection factor (SPF) between 6 and 30 in the lenses. But the common age to begin wearing contact lenses is 11 or 12 and while the eyes are protected, they still aren't shaded.
Sunglasses can be an easier choice, and kids can look cool all summer long. If parents make buying sunglasses fun and encourage their children to wear them, then sunglasses are more apt to protect kid's eyes for a lifetime of healthy vision.
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