Baby Sunglasses: When Summer Sun Can Be Harmful

There’s no need to worry about UV damage to your baby’s eyes, though. You can take easy steps to protect their delicate retinas by ensuring they always wear sunglasses. But how do you know if they need sunglasses? And what should you be looking for in a pair of kids’ sunglasses? Thankfully, we’ve assembled some key tips for you to try.

What are the dangers of UV exposure to your baby’s eyes?

There are two dangers of UV exposure to your baby’s eyes. Firstly, exposure to too much UV can damage the retina, causing macular degeneration, which in turn can lead to blindness. Secondly, UV causes the lens in a baby’s eyes to grow too quickly, which can result in myopia.

Because the retina is so delicate, it’s best to keep your kids’ sunglasses in the cart while you wait for your physician to examine them. Another huge mistake is putting them on when they’re not ready. You don’t want to be trying to sneak your child in without their straining to see what’s staring back at them. It’s best to wait until they’re actually outdoors and have worn their sunglasses to protect their retina.

 How do you protect your child’s eyes from UV damage?

UV damage is a big deal. It’s not only bad for your skin, but it can also cause damage to your eyes. Exposure to UV rays can cause cataracts, which are a clouding of the lens of the eye that can eventually lead to vision loss. For children under the age of three, sunglasses can reduce the amount of pigment (color) in the eye so that it looks lighter in color.

That’s why you should always try to make sure the lenses of your son or daughter’s sunglasses are clear. And especially if you’re giving your child sunglasses at night, make sure the lenses are UV-resistant. Children’s sunglasses can easily get scratched or chipped, so making sure they protect the eyes from damage is especially important.

What does it mean if your baby needs sunglasses?

Babies’ eyes are sensitive to light, so it’s important to protect them.

According to Pediatrician Alicia Meininger, who spoke to WebMD about sun safety for kids, identifies two main types of sun protection for babies, most pediatricians agree that keeping sunglasses on their faces as long as your baby could possibly reach them is the best precaution. “If babies consistently use sunglasses,” she says, “they are less likely to develop eye complications such as cataracts as long as they are protected from the sun.”

When should my child wear sunglasses?

UV-light exposure could lead to symptoms such as tiredness, red or tears, and even eye inflammation. The UVA rays are primarily responsible for the premature aging of your baby’s eyes, while UVB rays lead to eye problems later in life. Lenses that block both UV and visible light are particularly popular now that many organizations have made UV-blocking fashionable.

Pros: Most fashion sunglasses, usually come with a prescription. While wearing prescription lenses on your child could restrict their ability to play sports, it can also help correct their vision.

Cons: Most sunglasses come in just one size — usually medium — that can limit a child’s features. For example, if your child wants huge glasses but can’t wear normal specs, you may have to sacrifice some spacing around the lenses.

 How do I choose the best sunglasses for my child?

When selecting sunglasses for your child, make sure that the glasses offer 100 percent UV protection, have a sturdy construction and are comfortable for your child to wear. It’s also important to know that sunglasses aren’t just for the summer. Experts recommend that all children under 11 wear sunglasses even when it’s not sunny outside. This will ensure that they have UV-blocking protection from the sun’s harmful rays.