Susan Blakeney: Children need sunglasses as much as sunscreen

Published on Tuesday 25 August 2009 09:08

Long-term eyesight at risk if unprotected from the glare, says Susan Blakeney

THE story in the media a few days ago about the number of British parents who are risking their child's eyesight by exposing them to bright sunlight without appropriate protection highlights a serious health message.

The research revealed that more than three-quarters (76 per cent) of parents admitted to not making sure their child wears sunglasses when out in the sun. These shocking statistics demonstrate to what extent our eyes are forgotten about when it comes to health precautions.

Just as most of us wouldn't dream of sending our children out into the sun without SPF protection, neither should we expose their eyes directly to strong sunlight. Up to 80 per cent of exposure to harmful UV light over a person's lifetime occurs before the age of 18, and sunlight can damage the retina and the lens of the eye. Exposure to UV light can increase a person's risk of long-term damage to their eyesight, and may lead to the development of conditions such as cataracts and AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration). It's therefore especially important that parents make sure their children wear sunglasses so that any long-term damage is minimised.

And as with skin, people with light coloured eyes are especially vulnerable. Blue eyes can be more susceptible to damage and if you or your child has blue eyes it's advisable to take even more care in the sun.

It was disappointing that almost a third of those questioned don't even buy sunglasses for their children and of those who do, 46 per cent opt for price over protection. Buying sunglasses needn't be expensive – just because the price tag is higher doesn't mean the quality is.

Just look for the CE mark, or the British Standard Kitemark (and ideally both) on the side of the sunglasses to see if they are of an appropriate standard to provide adequate protection. And, if you're still reluctant to buy them for your children, think of it as an investment for their future – protecting their eyes now may stop more serious problems developing later in life.

Dr Susan Blakeney is optometric advisor to the College of Optometrists