How To Protect Your Child’s Eyes In Summer
Summer is the perfect time for your child to enjoy all of the fun outdoor activities that are available. There are so many things to do, see, and explore, that it’s easy to spend all day outside under the sun’s rays.
While the sun makes us feel good and gives us Vitamin D, it can also be dangerous for your children’s skin and eyes. In this post, we’ll discuss how you can protect your children’s eyes from the sun, so they can enjoy summer without you having to worry about their eye health.
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How Do the Sun’s Rays Affect Your Eyes?
Before we show you how to protect your child’s eyes in summer, it’s important to know how the sun’s rays can affect them. The sun emits UVA and UVB light, which are types of radiation that can penetrate deep into your retina (the back part of your eye that senses images).
UVA and UVB light can damage the retina which may lead to problems with how cells react to light or how they perceive color. The sun’s rays can also cause the retina to swell and become inflamed, which can cause permanent damage.
Exposure to UV light also increases the risk for cataracts – a clouding of the eye lens that causes blurry vision or blindness.
Best Ways To Protect Children’s Eyes From The Sun
So now you know why it’s important to protect your child’s eyes from the sun, it’s time to show you some ways you can keep your child’s eyes safe.
Sunglasses For Kids
Sunglasses are the most popular form of eye protection because they’re easy to find, affordable, and the best way to keep eyes safe.
You can buy sunglasses for kids in a variety of shapes, colors, and styles so that you’ll be able to find ones your child will love (who doesn’t want cool shades?).
But the most important thing to look for is that they protect against both UVA and UVB light. This will help protect your child’s eyes from the sun’s rays while they do things outside like playing at the park, swimming in the pool, or running around outdoors with their friends. These sunglasses are great because they not only protect against UV light but are also flexible so they won’t break easily, plus they have a special strap so they won’t get lost!
If your child wears eyeglasses, you can also buy clip-on sunglasses for them to wear over their regular glasses. Or you can order prescription sunglasses at your local opticians.
How to encourage your child to wear sunglasses
If your child has a tendency to take off or refuse to wear sunglasses don´t get angry or insistent, try to remain calm, trust me the more you try the more they will refuse! Instead, try some of these ideas:
- Get your child to help choose a pair of sunglasses and make a big deal of it.
- Show them it´s cool to wear sunglasses like their favorite cartoon, celebrity, athlete, etc.
- Be the example… wear them yourself. Younger kids especially want to copy their parents.
- When they do wear them, praise them!
Important Tip: Clouds don’t block all the UV rays so it’s important to wear sunglasses even on cloudy days!
Wide-Brimmed Hats
In addition to sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats are another great way to protect your children’s eyes from the sun.
Hats with a wide brim can block out some of the sun’s rays and help keep UV light off your child’s face, neck, shoulders, arms, and back. The effect is even greater when they’re wearing sunscreen too!
You should also make sure that you position their hat so that the brim is always facing towards what’s in front of them. This is because UV rays can bounce off surfaces like water, snow, or sand and then enter your child’s eyes if their hat isn’t positioned correctly.
Seek Shade
UV radiation is highest between 10 am and 4 pm, so try to stay indoors during these hours or if you’re out for the day, try seeking shade from trees, an umbrella, or a building that blocks the sun.
Swimming Goggles With UVA/UVB Protection
In the summer it’s easy for kids to spend hours every day playing in the pool or splashing in the sea. While this is great fun, all that diving and splashing can leave your child’s eyes dry, irritated and uncomfortable. Swimming goggles are a great way to protect your child’s eyes while they’re enjoying their time in the water!
However, not all swimming goggles are created equal, many swimming goggles don’t block out UV rays so it’s important to choose a pair like these goggles that not only protect your child’s eyes in the pool but also offer UV protection!
Other Ways To Protect Your Child From The Sun
While protecting your child’s eyes from the sun is important, it’s vital that you protect their skin too! These are some other ways you can keep your child protected from the sun.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the most important way to protect your child from sun damage, and it should be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors for a long period of time. Sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher are recommended because they will provide more protection against harmful UV rays than lower SPFs can.
An important thing to keep in mind is that your child should reapply their sunscreen every two hours and after swimming.
Remember that sunscreen should not be used as the only form of protection for your child’s eyes and skin! Get them dressed in light clothing with a long-sleeved shirt and pants to make sure they’re fully protected against UV rays.
Read Next: 10 Easy and Natural Ways To Soothe Sunburn (FAST)
Protective Clothing
UV protection doesn’t just come in the form of hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, you can also protect your child’s eyes and skin by dressing them appropriately.
If your child will be in the water most of the day look at investing in some UV-protecting swimwear like these.
Summary
Easy ways to keep your child’s eyes (and skin) safe this summer.
- Sunglasses
- Wide-brimmed hats to shield the eyes from the sun’s most intense rays
- Seek shelter under an umbrella or tree during midday hours, when UV radiation peaks
- Light and breathable protective clothing
- Locate indoor activities close by for quick breaks if the sun gets too hot outside
- Sunscreen
- UVA/UVB protecting swimming goggles
Conclusion:
Now that you know how to keep your child’s eyes safe from the sun this summer, it’s time for them to have some fun!
Get out there with them and make sure they’re wearing their sunglasses, yes even on cloudy days!. Avoid the sun or seek shade between 10 am to 4 p.m., wear light protective clothing, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat.
