May 18

How to Select the Best Sunglasses for Children

sunglasses

Sunglasses are widely considered as wardrobe essential along with shoes and handbags to women, but it’s easy to forget they also serve a more important purpose: to protect our eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. UV rays have a cumulative effect over time and can lead to serious eye disease that does not always have a cure. This is why the best way to defense UV rays is the prevention through qualified sunglasses that block out these rays. UV rays can be present even in cloudy days or in winter, let alone in sunny days or in summer, so it's important to wear sunglasses all year round. Among the people who need protect their eyes, children in particular need protection as their eye tissues are more susceptible to sun damage and they tend to stay outdoors more often. About how to select the best sunglasses for children, there are some tips for your reference.

 

Allow your child to choose their own sunglasses. Your child is more likely to wear a pair of sunglasses they have had a hand in selecting. But check labels on the lenses or ask your optometrist to point out styles with effective sun protection.

Choose lenses with dark, even shading. Tinted lenses should have a dark grey, brown or green tint and should screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light. Lenses should also block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.

Choose sunglasses with adjustable nose pads or specially designed frames for little faces. Because children’s nose and bridge are not fully developed, sunglasses with nose pads provide a better fit and are more likely to stay put than plastic frames, which may slide down their noses. For babies and infants, specially designed plastic frames may be best, as their faces are often too small for nose pads. Ask your optometrist for assistance in selecting the right frame for your child.

Check the fit of the sunglasses. Make sure the sunglasses do not slip down your child’s nose, pinch the temples, or if sunglasses are too tight. Sunglasses should be comfortable for your child to wear. Also, ensure sunglasses fit close to your child’s face to adequately protect their eyes from light entering at the top or sides.

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