Sunglasses for children: 5 reasons why they are not just a fashion
Recent research indicates that ocular protection against the ultraviolet rays of the sun is essential to prevent not only cancer (10% of tumors throughout the body occur in the eyelid), but also other visual problems such as the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration related to age. Therefore, experts recommend starting to wear sunglasses from 6 months of age to take care of the sight of children.
Ultraviolet radiation can damage the tissues of the eye surface, the cornea and cause a loss of vision. In addition, the eyes can also suffer sunburn that manifests with redness, irritation, tearing, pain and an annoying feeling as if we had sand inside the eyes when in reality, there is nothing there. In addition, we may suffer from blurred vision and temporary loss of vision.
However, perhaps due to ignorance, parents have something forgotten the recommendation to wear sunglasses, while we already strongly emphasize the use of sunscreen creams to prevent skin burns and preventing the cutting of digestion when we are on the beach or in the pool.
How should children's sunglasses be?
Comfortable so that they do not interfere in their activities, flexible so that they adapt to their anatomy and support all their games, but above all that are approved by the EU and have a filter that protects against ultraviolet radiation. They should also be used on cloudy days because although we see less clarity, the level of radiation does not decrease.
5 reasons for children to wear sunglasses
Experts in Ophthalmology at the Clinic Rementería, explain in 5 points the reasons why sunglasses for children are essential to prevent eye damage due to sun exposure and are not just a fad:
1. Games under the sun. Throughout life, ultraviolet exposure is cumulative and is directly related to the early onset of cataracts. In addition, because 10 percent of tumors occur in the eyelid, it is necessary to protect them with glasses from six months of age. Therefore, children should get used to wearing sunglasses during their games since they were little.
2. Personalized protection for light eyes and dark eyes. Light eyes are more sensitive to light, so they should choose glasses with higher absorption lenses. The glasses with mirror glass reflect part of the light and make it not reach the eye, so in addition to being highly recommended for clear eyes are also advisable for when activities are carried out at sea. If its use is combined with that of a hat with a visor, they will form the perfect combination to protect the head and eyes of the little ones.
3. Colored protective lenses. The color of the sunscreen is also very important, because beyond the fashions, the color of the glass also affects vision. Thus, the brown, gray and green crystals are the ones that least alter the colors of the vision.
4. Best graduated sunglasses. In the case of needing corrective lenses for myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism, it is recommended that the sunglasses are also graduated. In this way, children will have a correct vision at any time of the day.
5. Polarized lenses in specialized establishments. Approved sunglasses are sold in optics. These establishments ensure that sunglasses lenses comply with European regulations. When buying a pair of sunglasses always look at the label, it must have the CE mark, which guarantees that the eyes are protected from harmful solar radiation.
Protects the eyes of children in summer
In addition to wearing sunglasses, children should also protect their eyes during their baths in the sea or pool water and take measures against dry eye syndrome:
1. Water glasses. They are essential to avoid bacterial infection in the eyes, such as conjunctivitis or keratitis. Diving goggles protect children's eyes from chlorine from swimming pools, which is extremely irritating, and from germs and bacteria that may be present in rivers, beaches or swamps.
2. Artificial tears and protection in the shade. To prevent the development of dry eye syndrome, it is necessary to protect children from being in air-conditioned rooms for a long time. Sea salt and simple heat can also cause the mucous membranes to dry out. Therefore, avoid overusing the air conditioning and resort to artificial tears to cool and soothe the dry eye.
Although these guidelines allow to maintain good eye health of children during the summer, "if we notice pain, discomfort or spots on their eyelids we must go to the ophthalmologist to explore possible serious problems," says Dr. Hurtado, Clinic Rementería.
Marisol Nuevo Espín
Advice:Dr. Javier Hurtado, Medical Director of Clínica Rementería and responsible for the area of Pediatric Ophthalmology.
