With summer quickly approaching, many parents will be happily taking their children to the beach, playing in their backyard and spending time on outdoor adventures. However, there are precautions that must be taken when it comes to protecting a child’s eyes from potential UV damage and even eye injury. Learning about the different dangers that can emerge when kids play outside each day can help parents make educated decisions about what sort of eyewear is best for each situation.
While you might have the best intentions for your child, picking out the wrong sunglasses for children can actually be harmful to their eyes and vision. Read on to find out what goes into choosing sunglasses for children.
Pick a pair that offers 100% UV protection
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under 6 months of age should not wear sunglasses, and those 6 months and older should wear prescription sunglasses that block at least 99% of UVA rays. The American Optometric Association (AOA) also recommends 100% UV protection for children.
Choose scratch resistant lenses
Scratches on your child’s glasses can be dangerous because they can lead to infections in their eyes. To protect against scratches, choose UV-blocking sunglasses that have scratch resistant lenses. These lenses are made from a special type of plastic that will not scratch easily.
Look for polycarbonate lenses
Polycarbonate lenses are generally considered the safest option because they have been shown to block UV rays and other dangerous light better than other types of material. Many children’s sunglasses are made with polycarbonate lenses, but check the label just in case.
Make sure they fit properly
Kids grow so fast! So it’s important to buy a pair of shades that will last throughout the season, or even longer. If you can find a pair with adjustable nose pads and temple tips, all the better. The last thing you want is for your child to outgrow their sunglasses before summer is over.
Pick a durable frame material
The frames of kids’ prescription sunglasses are often made from flexible, lightweight materials like plastic or rubber. But these materials don’t offer the kind of protection that metal frames do. Metal frames are sturdier and more impact-resistant, which makes them a better choice if your kids are rough on their eyewear.
Look for a wraparound style
If you want your child’s prescription sunglasses to protect his eyes from all angles, look for a wraparound style instead of a pair with lenses that sit over the eyes only. The wraparound style will give him full coverage across the front of his face so he won’t have any gaps where harmful rays could sneak through. These types of glasses also offer better protection against wind while riding in an open-air vehicle or playing outside in cold weather conditions.
Look for shatterproof lenses
Most children’s sunglasses are made with shatterproof lenses because kids tend to be more careless with their things than adults are. It’s important that you make sure your child’s prescription sunglasses have these lenses so they won’t get scratched or damaged if they happen to drop them on a sidewalk or playground surface.
Choose the right style for your child
The best style depends on your child’s age and personality. For example, if your child likes to be active outdoors, consider buying a pair with a sports design or wrap-around shape that will keep their eyes protected from the sun while playing outside. If your child doesn’t like wearing anything on her head, try oversized styles that don’t have frames around the lenses.
Conclusion
Since there are so many factors involved, choosing a pair of sunglasses for your children isn’t simply a matter of buying the coolest looking pair. Carefully consider your lifestyle, and make sure to select something that will fit you and your children best. Hopefully you’ll be able to use this information when deciding on the right pair of children’s sunglasses for your child’s needs.