Over half of parents don't fully protect children's eyes in the sun
New research shows that only 30% of kids always wear sunglasses on sunny days and more than a third of parents believe a hat or cap offers the same protection as sunglasses.
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“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.”
Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu, clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists