Sun protection for young eyes

Research conducted over the last 30yrs has shown that many serious eye conditions associated with aging are in part a result of cumulative exposure to UV over a lifetime. Children are especially at risk because of the time the spend outdoors, large pupils, and a clear crystalline lens. For example 75% of UV is transmitted through the crystalline lens of a child under 10, but only 10% is transmitted by the crystalline lens of someone older than 25yrs.

We always ensure that children wear adequate sunscreen but few children wear sunglasses to protect their eyes as the risks of ocular damage from UV has not been as adequately communicated.

What you can do to help protect your child from the sun:

• Never let them look directly at the sun
• Always wear good quality sunglasses that are marked with CE or BS EN1836:2005. We have a number of suitable sunglasses in the practice suitable for young children and teenagers.
• UV has been implicated in a number of eye conditions later in life such macula degeneration, pinguecula, pterygium and development of cataracts.
• It is important to make sure your children wear their sunglasses both during the summer and the winter.

The wearing of sunglasses is especially important will children are involved in water and snow sports because of the increased exposure to UV.