Photo by Aziza Kallel.
On Monday, June 27, we celebrate National Sunglasses Day! On this day, we hope to instill a bit of fun while we draw attention to why sunglasses are an important health accessory — not just a fashion accessory. This year, our focus will be on children.
Kids tend to spend more time than adults outdoors. Making sure they’re protected against the sun’s strong ultra-violet rays (UV) should extend beyond lathering them up with sunscreen or wearing UV-protective clothing. Why? Well, there are a host of problems that can affect eyes when they’re exposed to too much sunlight. Check out some of our articles on a few of them here: melanoma, cataracts, and eyelid cancer.
When buying sunglasses for children, the Mayo Clinic suggests a few things to look for:
- UV Protection: There should be a sticker on the sunglasses showing that they protect against UVA/UVB.
- Durability: Let’s face it, kids aren’t always kind to their things! Check the lenses from time to time to make sure they aren’t overly scratched because damaged sunglasses won’t protect your children from the effects of UV rays.
- Comfort: This is crucial because if sunglasses are uncomfortable to wear, kids won’t wear them. So, bring your children with you to All About Eyes, and we will make sure they have a proper fit. And remember, any frame can be turned into a pair of sunglasses!
And last, but not least, be a good example! Wear your sunnies and encourage your kids to do the same.