Experts warn parents are putting children’s eyes at risk by not using sunglasses. Suncream and hat are always used, but parents are missing one of the most important steps by not using sunglasses on their children.
The College of Optometrists highlights nearly 2 in 5 parents (38%) believe their child does not need sunglasses as they wear a hat instead. Whilst wearing a wide-brimmed hat or cap does offer some protection from harmful UV rays, combining wearing a hat with sunglasses can reduce UV radiation from reaching your eyes by up to 98%.
The study shows half (50%) of parents recognise the benefits sunglasses can have in preventing headaches and the same amount acknowledged their usefulness in protecting your eyes from wind and debris. However, just a third (33%) know that sunglasses can also help ease hay fever symptoms by acting as barrier. According to the data, 70% of parents recognise the increased risk of the development of long- term vision issues, such as cataracts and macular degeneration as potential consequences of not protecting their children’s eyes from UV rays. Whilst eye tests are a priority for 2 in 5 (40%) parents, school uniform shopping was listed as most important, with 52% of parents stating this is their priority at the end of the school summer holidays.
The College aims to educate parents on sunglasses for kids
Paramdeep Bilkhu, Clinical Adviser at The College of Optometrists aims to educate parents on a critical — and often overlooked — part of children’s health: UV eye protection. They are also encouraging parents to take their child for regular eye tests every two years from the age of 3-4 years old (this is free service on the NHS remember too!)
Paramdeep Bilkhu, Clinical Adviser at The College of Optometrist can provide expert advice on the importance of protecting our eyes through the summer months and what UV protection standards to look for when buying sunglasses. He can also share advice on the importance of children having an eye test before they go back to school this September