by Dr. Lawrence Lampert |
August 27, 2010
While parents know that exposure to UV rays has harmful effects on children’s skin, many do not realize that UV rays can actually cause just as much damage to their eyes. In fact, a recent edition of Review of Optometry reported that eye changes due to UV radiation were found in children as young as age 9. In one study, a remarkable 80% of patients under the age of 15 showed signs of UV-related eye damage.
Despite the concerning statistics about children’s eye health, the 2009 American Optometric Association’s Eye-Q Survey surprisingly revealed that 71% of patients do not ensure that their children wear sunglasses outdoors. Please remember, it is never too early or too late to begin protecting your eyes from UV rays, and children are never too young to start learning about the importance of sun protection.
It is important to make sure that children’s eyes are protected with UV-protective eyewear, such as Transitions® lenses, which block 100% of UV rays. In addition to proper eyewear, wearing a hat can be a simple way to provide children with extra sun protection. While some schools do not allow sunglasses to be worn on the playground, eyewear fitted with Transitions may be a great alternative that still adheres to school guidelines. Protect your eyes and your children’s eyes with UV-protective lenses and be sure to include a comprehensive exam with your eye doctor as part of your regular health/wellness check-ups.
