Parents are warned to protect their children’s eyes from harmful UV rays

11 July 2017

Estimates say up to 80% of a person’s lifetime exposure to UV radiation occurs before the age of 18 [1] yet over three quarters of British parents are unaware of the need to prioritise packing their child’s sunglasses for holidays

Parenting on Female First

Summer is the best time of the year to soak up sunshine and top up on natural vitamin D, however it’s also a time where we are exposed to harmful UVA & UVB rays. While a majority of parents protect their children’s skin, few are prioritising protecting their eyes against harmful ultraviolet rays.

When you consider that it is estimated children’s annual UV exposure is on average three times higher than adults and since their eyes are not fully developed they have less natural protection from the harmful effects of UV light,[1] it is alarming that children’s eyes are not being given the same consideration.

monkey monkey eyewear has developed a video to address this. You wouldn’t forget to wear sun cream in the sunshine, so don’t forget to wear sunglasses.

With estimates saying up to 80% of a person’s lifetime exposure to UV radiation occurs before the age of 18 [1], it is important for parents to ensure their children wear sunglasses when outdoors to keep their eyes protected. Children’s pupils are larger than adults, meaning they let in more UV light and their crystalline lens is more transparent, meaning it is less efficient at filtering out UV.[2]

Short term temporary effects of excessive exposure to UV light to children include:

Bloodshot eyes

Swollen eyes

Hyper-sensitivity to light

Sunburn of the eye, known as ‘photo keratitis’ that can cause vision loss for us to 48 hours.[3]

Whilst the majority parents are concerned about packing high factor sun creams and hats to keep their children protected in the sun, almost three quarters don’t consider sunglasses a priority as shown in new research by monkey monkey eyewear. However parents do prioritise packing swimming costumes, snacks and even a Kindle over sunglasses.

Consultant Eye Surgeon Alex Shortt said: ‘This research proves that without a doubt UV light does damage children’s eyes, which typically doesn’t manifest until later in life. It is incredibly dangerous to buy super cheap pound shop sunglasses, which contain dark lenses but no UV filters. With monkey monkey sunglasses, your children are fully protected and you can feel confident when they play in the sunshine.’