Experts warn that parents are putting children’s eye health at risk by not using sunglasses. In this hot weather, suncream and a hat are usually used, but parents could be missing one of the most important health steps by not using sunglasses on their children.
The College of Optometrists highlights that nearly 2 in 5 parents (38%) believe that their child does not need sunglasses as they wear a hat instead. While wearing a wide-brimmed hat or cap does offer some protection from harmful UV rays, combining wearing a hat with sunglasses can reduce UV radiation from reaching your eyes by up to 98%.
The study shows that half (50%) of parents recognise the benefits sunglasses can have in preventing headaches and the same amount acknowledged their usefulness in protecting your eyes from wind and debris. However, just a third (33%) know that sunglasses can also help ease hay fever symptoms by acting as barrier.
According to the data, 70% of parents recognise the increased risk of the development of long-term vision issues, such as cataracts and macular degeneration as potential consequences of not protecting their children’s eyes from UV rays. Whilst eye tests are a priority for 2 in 5 (40%) parents, school uniform shopping was listed as most important, with 52% of parents stating this is their priority at the end of the school summer holidays.
Protection
Paramdeep Bilkhu, Clinical Adviser at The College of Optometrists aims to educate parents on a critical — and often overlooked — part of children’s health: UV eye protection. The College is also encouraging parents to take their child for regular eye tests every two years from the age of 3-4 years old – this is a free service on the NHS.
Dr Bilkhu says: “Children are more susceptible to UV-related eye damage because their pupils are larger and their eye lenses clearer, which allows more UV radiation to reach their retina. Long term exposure to even small amounts of UV radiation has been linked to an increased risk of developing earlier onset cataract, or macular degeneration in later life. It’s important that parents encourage their children to wear both a hat and sunglasses in the summer months, and that they look for the CE or UKCA mark when buying sunglasses to ensure they meet British standards for UV protection.
“We advise parents to take their children for regular eye tests every two years from the age of three to four years old, or as advised by their optometrist. This will ensure any childhood eye and vision issues are detected and treated early to prevent any issues later in life.”
As children are spending on average five hours a day outside during the summer holidays, the fear of sunburn and UV damage does weigh on parents’ minds as a barrier for their children spending more time outside (42%).
Symptoms
Keen to ensure their children stay safe in the sun when spending time outdoors in the summer months, 65% of parents surveyed make sure their kids keep hydrated and 61% protect their skin by wearing sun cream. However, only 45% of parents have their children wear sunglasses with UV protection.
Furthermore, although half of parents (50%) recognise the benefits sunglasses can have in preventing glare and protecting the eyes from wind and debris, only a third (33%) were aware that wearing wraparound sunglasses can also reduce hay fever symptoms.
Although 70% of parents surveyed recognise the increased risk of the development of long-term vision as a potential consequence of not protecting their child’s eyes from UV rays, an eye test is still not top of the list when it comes to back-to-school priorities.
See also: Where to Find Advice on Heat Exhaustion
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