Protecting little eyes: the importance of kids’ sunglasses

August 17, 2023 Maddy Scavone

As an orthoptist with a love of the outdoors and a passion for eyecare, I've always been aware of the importance of protecting our eyes from the sun's harmful rays. But it wasn't until the early days of my career that I truly understood the significance of this message.

 

At our busy retinal clinic, we’d just received a new widefield retinal camera. While being a test patient for one of my colleagues, little did I know we would stumble upon a small choroidal naevus (a benign pigmented lesion) quietly residing in my eye. The realisation hit me hard – had it not been for my constant exposure to retinal cameras and working in eyecare, it might have gone unnoticed. Since up to 50% of a person's lifetime UV exposure can occur before the age of 18, this most likely occurred when I was a child.

 

This strengthened my resolve to spread awareness about the importance of sunglasses for children with my own brand, Speckles. Our little ones' eyes are more vulnerable to the sun's UV rays due to their developing lenses, making protection essential from an early age. In children, excessive and unprotected exposure to sunlight, particularly to UV radiation, can increase the risk of developing choroidal naevi.

 

It's important to note that most choroidal naevi in children do not cause symptoms or vision problems. They are typically monitored by eyecare professionals to ensure there are no changes or signs of malignancy, since, in rare cases, they can develop into choroidal melanoma. Prolonged UV exposure during childhood, however, can also increase the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration later in life.

 

 

 

A bright future

 

So why do some parents diligently apply sunscreen and put hats on their little ones but overlook sunglasses? Perhaps it's a misconception that children's eyes are naturally protected, when the truth is children have clearer lenses than adults, which allow more UV radiation to reach the retina. Therefore additional protection, in the form of sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB protection, is necessary to safeguard their developing eyes.

 

Ensure the kids’ sunglasses you stock or buy for your own offspring can withstand the harsh UV light Australasians are exposed to by making sure they have:

 

• 100% protection against both UVA and UVB
  Look for labels indicating compliance with Australian and New Zealand standards, such as AS/NZS 1067.1:2016, which specifies the requirements for sunglasses and fashion spectacles
• High-quality lenses, free from distortion, ensuring clear and accurate vision
  Polycarbonate lenses are an excellent choice due to their impact resistance, being lightweight and having built-in UV protection
• A large lens shape that covers all of the eye
  This includes the delicate skin around it, where it’s trickier to apply sunscreen – no child wants sunscreen in their eyes!
• Robust frames, made from materials such as BPA-free plastics
  Flexible materials, such as rubber, are recommended for their ability to withstand the rigours of children's activities
• Optimal fit
  This is crucial for both comfort and sun protection. Look for sunglasses with adjustable features, particularly for babies, including adjustable straps and temples, to accommodate a range of face shapes and sizes.

 

Of course, once you’ve found the perfect pair of sunglasses for your child, getting them to wear them might be a different story. Your first move is to introduce sunglasses from a young age to establish sun-safe habits that will last a lifetime. Speckles offers sunglasses for babies as young as three months old. Leading by example, wearing your sunglasses consistently, will also show them eye protection is just as important as sunscreen, while letting them pick their own sunnies, with playful designs, vibrant colours or their favourite characters, will make it fun and involve them in the decision-making process so they are more likely to embrace wearing them.

 

So if you have a kid's birthday coming up, or a friend with a new baby, a pair of sunglasses is a great gift idea which will also ensure healthy eyes for the future.

 

Pictures credit: Speckles frames

 

 

Maddy Scavone is an orthoptist specialising in paediatrics and the founder of Speckles, a company focused on children’s vision needs and wants.