Why we need to protect our children’s eyes from the sun.
Summer is carefree for the children but for the parents, it is usually full of worries. Everyone wants to keep their children healthy and protect them from various external factors that can cause damage during the summer months. The eyes can be in more danger than the skin and this is something that most people do not know. Especially children’s eyes that are much more sensitive than those of adults and need more protection.
In fact, children need special sun protection because their eyes are not developed enough to sufficiently protect themselves from UV radiation in the same way that an adult’s eyes can. The lens of the child’s eye allows 70% more UV rays to enter than the lens of the adult. The more sunlight penetrates the iris, the greater the depth of the child’s eyeball and the risk of myopia. This means that they are at greater risk today. Exposure to harmful sunlight has increased over the last 25 years, especially with climate change and ozone layer fluctuations. In fact, in foreign countries, after research on the importance of protecting children’s eyes, they decided to give sunglasses to students along with their school clothes.
Only one day in the sun without protection can lead to irreversible damage to the eyes from ultraviolet radiation.
Fortunately, there are ways you can effectively protect your child’s eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
I am wearing sunglasses
Sunglasses not only look adorable on children but also help block dangerous UV rays. They can be worn from infancy (from 6 months). Prefer to buy those with the indication “100% UV Protection”. Make sure they fit comfortably and well and also choose a style that will give complete protection from the sun. And because usually the younger they are the harder it will be for them to accept wearing sunglasses, an effective way is to simply imitate you. When you do not forget to wear your sunglasses, then your children will follow this process much more easily.
I’m wearing a hat
Along with sunglasses, hats look very cute on children too. They also help to further block out dangerous rays. Choose a comfortable hat with wide edges. According to the organization Prevent Blindness, the use of a hat can reduce the number of UV rays that reach the eyes by half.
Keep your child out of the sun during peak hours
If possible, seek shade during sun rush hour, especially during the summer. The hours of sunshine are usually noon to early afternoon, around 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Do not relax on a cloudy day
There are no cloudy days for UV rays. These harmful rays of light can still penetrate the clouds. It is important to pay attention to sun protection all year round, even in cloudy and snowy weather.
Enjoy the summer and you and your children without fear but always with care!