Young eyes also need the protection that a pair of sunglasses gives. In fact, kids may need to wear sunglasses more, with the time they spend outdoors. Children love playing in the park. They will ask you for "five more minutes", when you tell them that it's time to leave the pool. They will run around in the playground, climb up the monkey bars, go teeter-tooter on the seesaw – and get exposed to the sun and put their eyesight at risk.
Damage to A Child's Eyes
Children can be especially vulnerable to the sun and its damaging rays. Young eyes have clearer lenses so they are not yet able to effectively filter the sun's rays. Children also have larger pupils, allowing more light rays in. Whereas adult eyes allow only 10% of the light rays to penetrate the eyes, a child's eyes lets in 75% of the sun's UV rays. Those who have blue or light-colored eyes are more vulnerable, because they are more sensitive.
A child who loves to spend time outdoors can be exposed to:
- UV radiation. Exposure to UV rays is pointed out as one of the leading causes of cataract development, as well as other eye problems.
- High-energy visible light rays. Long-term exposure to HEV rays (or blue light) is linked to macular degeneration when a child gets older.
With long term exposure, one can develop:
- Macular degeneration. This is marked by blurred and dull vision due to the deterioration of the macula, which is located at the back of the eye.
- Cataracts. A filmy cloudiness of the lens.
- Pterygium. Often called surfer's eye, this is characterized by itching and swelling, as well as benign growths that can obstruct the vision. This is often caused by prolonged exposure not just to the sun, but also the sand and wind.
- Photokeratitis. This is when the cornea gets sun burnt.
- Cancer. This can be cancer of the skin in the eye area.
These eye problems are linked to cumulative exposure to the sun. Based on statistics by the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of the cumulative UV exposure is usually obtained before a person even reaches the age of 18. This means that it is important to start protecting your children's eyes (and teaching them to do the same) as early as possible. This can help halt the onset of serious eye diseases. One way to protect your child from the damage caused by the sun is to make him wear sunglasses when outdoors.
Choosing the right sunglasses for your child
Here are some considerations to help you choose the right sunglasses for your child:
- UV rating. Ideally, the sunglasses should have a UV rating of 400. This means that the lenses are able to block not just UVA, but also UVB rays. Don't just buy cheap sunglasses that simply have dark lenses but don't have UV protection. This will actually do more harm than good because the dark lenses results in more dilation for your child's eyes but without the UV protection.
- Comfort. A child should feel comfortable with his sunglasses. Otherwise, he may simply end up not wearing it. The fit should be snug, but not too tight. A close-fitting frame will also help prevent debris and dust from getting inside a child's eyes.
- Safety. An active child should have a pair of cheap wholesale sunglasses that can withstand his everyday activities. It is also one that should not break easily. It should also be bendable and resistant to breaking and scratching. A durable pair of cheap sunglasses in bulk will avoid eye injuries.
- Affordability. Sunglasses need not be the expensive kind. Remember, with kids, there is a tendency to forget these shades or lose them. Thus, it is also more practical to buy them affordable designer wholesale sunglasses.
Olympic Eyewear offers a wide array of wholesale sunglasses by the dozen. With the many choices available, you can easily get the style that best suits your child.