Light the Night for Sight' Prevent Blindess America
According to a survey conducted by Vision Council of
America, nearly half of parents (45.9 percent) reported
that their children "seldom" or "never" wear sunglasses
with 100% UV protection. Medical studies have shown that
extended exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays can lead to
increased risk for cataracts and macular degeneration. Be
sure that sunglasses for your child are on your summer
checklist.
Follow these steps for choosing the right pair of
sunglasses:
Insist on 100% UV protection.
Make sure the sunglasses fit properly. It's not a
winter coat they'll grow into.
Be patient - children need to get used to wearing
sunglasses.
Make sure your child likes the sunglasses and that
they are comfortable, or they won't wear them.
Consider impact-resistant lenses, which protect your
child's eyes from injury.
Make sure the frame has features, like spring hinges,
that will stand up to the most active child.
When children are very young, look for sunglasses
with straps or ear pieces that wrap around the ear.
Kids with prescription eyewear should have
prescription sunglasses or sunclips for their regular
glasses.
Older kids who wear contact lenses should have non-prescription
sunwear for when they're outdoors.
