Choosing Sunglasses for Children

Added: (Mon Oct 26 2009)

Pressbox (Press Release) - Protecting a child’s eyes against the harmful rays of the sun is vital.

Eyesight is a most precious thing and all parents want to protect their children’s eyesight. Experts tell us that long exposure to the sun’s rays is likely to cause both cataracts and macular degeneration. While cataracts may be fixed after an operation, there is no cure yet for macular degeneration. But both are simple to prevent by wearing sunglasses.

A child who must wear prescription glasses should have the same in sunglasses, or else clip-on glasses to go over the top. Another alternative is transition lenses that lighten and darken automatically. While they are more costly, the ease of use will make it worthwhile. What cost can you put on eyesight?

Children are often rough with their glasses, so make sure you get those with features to withstand rough use, like spring hinges and impact resistant lenses. Make sure the sunglasses are 100% UV resistant or there is little use in having them. Proper fit will ensure comfort. If the glasses are uncomfortable, the child will not want to wear them. Make a point of admiring the look of their sunglasses to encourage wearing them. Be patient, small children have to learn to wear their glasses, just as they had to learn to use the potty.
Mel writes about homeware, and furnishings among other home decor topics.