I live in Arizona where the sun shines bright. A little too bright if you ask me. In fact, Phoenix is one of the top 10 American cities for UV danger. Most of us work hard to make sure our children are wearing sunscreen, but many of us do not require our kiddos to wear eye protection when they are outdoors. Last week I participated a webinar for The Vision Council on behalf of The Motherhood and we discussed eye health and the damage that UV rays can do to your eyes (and your kiddos’ eyes). I learned many tips about protecting eyes from UV rays and some of the facts presented surprised me. For example, did you know that scratched sunglasses allow UV light to filter through to your eyes?
After listening to Dr. Adamopoulos discuss this important issue, I felt a sense of urgency to share everything I had learned with Celebrating Family readers. Seriously, this is a big deal. Here are some of the facts that were discussed.
- Children receive three times the annual sun exposure of adults and are especially vulnerable to UV-related harm
- Over half of parents do not utilize sunglasses to protect their children’s eyes from UV exposure
- Cumulative exposure to UV radiation can result in blurry or poor vision and in serious cases, cataracts and macular degeneration
- Ground surfaces can reflect high amounts of UV radiation and redirect rays to unsuspecting adults and children (even the shade can’t protect against reflected UV)
- Only 12 percent of adults rated UV protection as the most important factor around a recent purchase
That last fact really doesn’t surprise me. Most people I have spoken to about this assume that a dark lens protects the best, but the truth is that the darkness doesn’t matter much. The shades my daughter is wearing in the picture above provide 100% UV protection, but they are pink in color. The fact is, dark shades with no UV protection actually damage your eyes since they allow your pupil to dilate which lets the UV rays in. Let that sink in for a minute. The sunglasses you bought because they were cheap, or cute, or dark, might actually be hurting your eyes. Always look for the 100% UV sticker when you buy sunglasses and buy from a reputable source. If you have sunglasses that you are not sure about, you can take them into your optometrist and ask if they have a UV meter to test your glasses with.
The fact is, dark shades with no UV protection actually damage your eyes since they allow your pupil to dilate which lets the UV rays in.
Here is a useful info-graphic with more details. Look it over and pin it (if you are a pinner that is) to make sure more people learn about this important topic.
I sincerely hope that you are newly motivated to protect your children’s eyes from sun damage. I know I am trying to make wearing sunglasses a standard part of being outdoors in my family. Here is a picture of my kiddos at Pat’s Run earlier this year. Don’t they look cool in their 100% UV protected glasses?
For even more information, resources, and fun activities, visit The Vision Council’s website and Facebook page. Have a fun and UV protected summer!
I have been compensated for my time for participating in this program. As usual, all opinions belong to little ol’ me.
About Janice
Thanks for the info. I need to find something for my daughter that will work with her glasses….
I wear Sunglasses all the time. We don’t have kiddo’s but I totally think it is great to protect their eyes – I will be sharing this with family who do have kids!
So important not to forget about your eyes when thinking about sun protection
I used to think sunglasses were just for accessorizing. Now we know we actually need it to protect ourselves from UV rays.
I never let my kiddos go outside without sunglasses. It’s so important to protect their eyes!
Thanks for the reminder. I so need to get my little ones sunglasses.
So informative. Just got myself a pair of sunglasses-I wanted polarized but it was double the price (for prescription lense) but I def got UV protection:) Next up, for my little siblings!
I just received a pair of 100% UV protected glasses for my soon to be baby boy! I can guarnatee he will be protected with style @ a young age because poor vision runs in my family. Thanks!
This is some very important information to know! Thanks , you know your stuff
When choosing to buy eyeglasses or sunglasses, it is important that you talk to your optician and eye care professionals regarding what glasses will offer you UV protection. The issue of UV protection is a complex one, and the technology behind protecting your eyes from the potentially harmful effects of UV is ever changing and ever involving. This fact underscores the tremendous importance of purchasing your eyeglasses and sunglasses from a trusted source so that you can make an optimal and informed purchase. Investing the time to find quality eyeglasses and sunglasses will not just help you see better, but will also contribute to the long -erm health of your eyes.
Thanks for the info. Really appreciate it. i really needed this info as i dint know where to look out.
Thanks for the tips i learned a lot about protecting kids eyes, many people forget to take care of our kids eyes especially now that the weather is too hot.
I appreciate a lot this valuable information, the truth is that sometimes we just do not pay lenses nice but most inportancia in protecting our eyes, many thanks for sharing your post, from now on I’ll take more care when choosing lenses for my son and for my
Well at least now I know I’ve not the one that’s concerned about my daughter’s eye health. She has a few cute pair of sunglasses but won’t wear them.
Hi Tiffany,I love this post. All of your ribbons are gorgeous! Of course, the pink are definitely the best. Like you, I can’t figure out why they are always fifth pl8;w…eho&#a217cs in charge of this anyway??? You really need to see what you can do about this!! lolHugs, Sandra