Q: [Infant/Toddler] Grandma got my toddler a stylin’ pair of shades, but I’m a little concerned. It seems like an unnecessary accessory for someone who can barely walk. (And when she attempts to, wipes out half the time – so isn’t she more liable to hurt herself with them?) They are cute, but are they pointless?
A: Convincing children to wear sunglasses properly can be the ultimate challenge for parents. Sounds like Grandma meant well by getting your toddler a trendy pair of shades. UV exposure is certainly not pointless, particularly in Southern California. In fact, The Vision Council recently reported that the Los Angeles area ranks 10th among U.S. cities for high exposure to UV radiation, putting eyes at higher risk for serious damage.
Young eyes are especially susceptible to UV-related harm because kids receive three times the annual sun exposure of adults. Unlike the mature lens of an adult eye, a child’s ocular lens cannot effectively filter out UV rays, so more radiation reaches the retina.
Sunglasses are the only effective way to filter out harmful UV rays on eyes. So don’t give up on them just yet! According to The Vision Council, 56 percent of parents wear sunglasses, while only 29 percent remember to put shades on their children.
- Explore the options – the stylish pair may not be the best ones for a teetering toddler. Look for wraparound styles or Velcro straps to help shades stay put. Additionally, look for a pair with impact resistant lenses that will hold up to rough play and falls.
- Make sure comfort and fit are right – This is especially important for children as they are more inclined to actually wear sunglasses that feel good and don’t pinch them.
- Designate a safe place – Keep sunglasses tucked away when they are not in use and designate an area – such as by the lunchboxes, in the car console, or even the diaper bag – so they are easily accessible and remembered when heading outdoors.
- Purchase sunglasses from a reputable retailer – Inexpensive party favors or holiday-themed shades are not always UV-protective. It’s important for parents to help prevent harm to young peepers, because as eyes age, decades of sun exposure make them much more prone to visual problems and disease from the cumulative damage of UV radiation.
Dr. Boeckmann serves as a medical advisor to The Vision Council and is a board-certified ophthalmologist at Retina Institute of California. www.thevisioncouncil.org
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