Should kids wear sunglasses? How old can a kid wear sunglasses? Many parents have such confuse. As children often spend more time outdoors than most adults do, sunglasses are extra important to kids. In fact, many experts believe that our eyes get 80 percent of their total lifetime exposure to the sun’s UV rays by age 18. It is never too early to let your kids wear good quality sunglasses.
Sunglasses are extremely popular these days as more and more people realize the importance to protect our eyes from the damage caused by harmful UV rays. Studies show that excessive exposure to UV radiation has been linked to the development of cataracts and other eye problems. Children’s eyes are more sensitive to UV radiation than adult eyes because the kids’ lenses are less capable of filtering the high-energy rays. This is especially true for young children, so it’s a wise decision to get your kids to wear protective sunglasses outdoors when they begin playing in direct sunlight.
When you choose a pair of sunglasses for yourself, remember to purchase a pair for the kids in your family. But be careful when choosing sunglasses for kids. They should be paid more attention to choose from. Protection is the first and the most important aspect. Children may do not concern as much about the style as adults. However, at least, the sunglasses should not be too ugly to be laughed by other kids. Then they would never wear them any more. Colorful and plastic frames are usually a better choice for kids. For plastic frames are more durable, flexible and scratch proof. For the lenses, polycarbonate lenses are suitable for kids as they are lighter and thinner than normal plastic lenses. There is one very important thing you should do is to check the sunglasses you choose for your kids have enough UV protection. High quality sunglasses are coated for UV protection. Of poor quality sunglasses also have dark tints, but these tints are more harmful than useful as they offer little protection against UV rays. The level of UV protection has nothing to do with color. As long as the sunglasses are certified to block 100% of the UV rays, color is just the personal choice. Usually kids like light colors.
Sunglasses are really necessary for kids daily wearing. When buying kids sunglasses, it is suggested to get your kids participate in. Always let them choose the ones they are interested and let them try on to check the fitness of it. The more the kids like the sunglasses, the more they like to wear them.