Why Is It Important For
Children To Wear Sunglasses?

While it’s important to let kids enjoy the sun and soak up Vitamin D, it’s also crucial to protect their eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Yea! Whether it’s summer or winter, children’s eyes will always need protection.

Do you know why?
Don’t worry if you don’t, because in this blog post, we will discuss how UV rays and other factors can harm your children’s eyes. Plus, we will share important reasons to make your children start wearing sunglasses. But first, let’s talk about how children’s eyes are different from adults.

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The Difference

Children’s Eyes vs. Adult

One of the biggest reasons that children’s sunglasses are so stressed upon is the amount of radiation passing through the eyes. The major difference between children’s and adults’ eyes is that the children’s pupils are larger than the adults’. As a result, their eye lenses experience more sunlight exposure and allow more UV radiation to pass through. But why is UV radiation harmful?

Understanding The Types & Effects Of UV Radiation

There are three different types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

UVB Radiation

UVB rays are shorter in wavelength and are partially filtered out by the ozone, and some of them are absorbed by the earth. Still, these rays are dangerous, and their overexposure can be responsible for sunburns and ocular conditions.

UVA Radiation

UVA is the longest wavelength and is not absorbed by the earth. As a result, UVA poses health risks as it can penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature aging and wrinkles.

UVC Radiation

UVC has the shortest wavelength, and it is mostly filtered by the ozone layer and absorbed by the earth, so we do not have to worry about these.

However, we should be wary of the first two – UVA and UVB rays. These two are responsible for a number of eye diseases and skin problems.

Common Health Risks Of UV Rays Exposure

Now that we know a little more about UV radiation, let’s take a look at some of the common health risks associated with exposure to these rays:

Cataracts :  Cataracts are one of the most common eye problems, and they occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. This happens when the proteins in the lens start to break down and clump together, causing decreased vision.

Macular Degeneration :  This condition affects the central part of the retina and causes blurred vision. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults over 50.

Pterygium :  Excess UV radiation can often result in an abnormal divide in the eye cells. As a result, a pink-colored growth forms on the white of the eye and can cause blurred vision.

Cancer :  Exposure to UV rays can damage the DNA in our cells and lead to cancer. The most common type of eye cancer is melanoma, which can be fatal if it is not caught early.

Besides the above, UV rays can also cause Photokeratitis & Photoconjunctivitis – more like sunburn in the eyes!

8 Important Reasons To Make
Your Children Wear Sunglasses

Now that we know the risks associated with UV exposure let’s discuss the collective reasons that make it necessary for children to wear sunglasses.

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Important Reasons To Make Your Children Wear Sunglasses

Large Eye Lenses Means
More Radiation Exposure

As discussed above, children’s eyes have larger pupils, which means their eye lenses are more exposed to the sun. Unfortunately, this allows more radiation to enter a children’s retina, making their eyes vulnerable to eye diseases and complications like cataracts, macular degeneration, and cancer of the eye.

Children Have Sensitive Skin

Another factor to consider is that children’s skin around the eyes is much thinner than adults, and they do not have as much melanin. Melanin is the natural sunblock that helps protect our skin from UV radiation. This means that children are less protected from the sun and are more susceptible to getting sunburns, developing skin cancer, and other skin complications. Although sunscreens in spray and lotion forms help, children still need added protection from the harmful UVA and UVB rays. Wearing sunglasses helps protect their eyes and sensitive skin from radiation damage.

UV Rays Act Slowly

The harmful effects of UV radiation are not immediate; instead, their impact is cumulative and takes years to show up. This means exposing your child’s eyes to UV rays can cause damage that might not show up until they reach adulthood. Moreover, a scientific study claims that an individual’s eyes already absorb almost 80% of the sun’s harmful radiation before they have reached 18 years of age. Considering the above two factors, it is pretty clear that protecting your children’s eyes from the sun at an early age is critical for their long-term ocular health. So, it is better to be safe than sorry and make sure your children wear sunglasses whenever they are out in the sun.

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Children Spend More Time Outdoors

Children are naturally more comfortable in open spaces and like going to the parks and playgrounds. And, as compared to adults, children spend more time outdoors and are less careful about sun protection. They don’t like putting on sunscreen or wearing a hat to get some shade in the sun. This puts them at a higher risk of developing eye problems due to overexposure to the sun’s UV radiation. Wearing sunglasses can help reduce this risk significantly.

Children Spend More Time Outdoors

The harmful effects of UV radiation are not immediate; instead, their impact is cumulative and takes years to show up. This means exposing your child’s eyes to UV rays can cause damage that might not show up until they reach adulthood. Moreover, a scientific study claims that an individual’s eyes already absorb almost 80% of the sun’s harmful radiation before they have reached 18 years of age. Considering the above two factors, it is pretty clear that protecting your children’s eyes from the sun at an early age is critical for their long-term ocular health. So, it is better to be safe than sorry and make sure your children wear sunglasses whenever they are out in the sun.

Strong Winds and Dust
Particles Are Harmful

When outside, children often play in the sand and dust, which can cause irritation and discomfort to their eyes. Moreover, strong winds can also contribute to dryness and tears in the eyes. Besides blocking the harmful UV rays, wearing children’s sunglasses helps protect their eyes from flying dust, irritants, and allergens.

UV Rays Are Present
Even on Cloudy Days

Many people think that UV radiation cannot penetrate through clouds, but this is not true. The sun’s harmful rays are present even on cloudy days and can still cause damage to our eyes. In fact, the clouds make it harder for us to see the sun, and we might be tempted to stay outdoors for longer, which can increase our exposure to UV rays. So, it is always better to wear sunglasses on cloudy days as well.

Sunglasses Protect Against Glare

Glare from the sun can be a major distraction and cause headaches, eye fatigue, and even nausea. Sunglasses help reduce or block this glare, allowing children to see better and stay focused on their surroundings. Wearing sunglasses is especially important when driving as it helps reduce the chances of getting into an accident.

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Children Look Stylish, Cute, & Cool

Last but not least, sunglasses also make children look stylish, cute, and cool. Therefore, wearing sunglasses is slowly becoming a trend among kids and adults alike. Sunglasses are available in various colors, designs, and styles to choose from. And children can also find sunglasses that match their personality and style. So, not only are sunglasses essential for protecting your children’s eyes, but they also help them look good and feel confident.

So, do children need sunglasses?

Yes. Sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory but a necessity, especially for children’s eye health. They need sunglasses to protect their eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. While sunscreen is good for the skin and hats can provide some cooling shade, these two alone aren’t enough; children should always wear sunglasses outdoors. Besides improving vision and shielding against harmful UV rays, sunglasses are crucial for reducing the risk of developing eye problems later in life. In addition, children’s sunglasses protect against the irritants and allergens present in the environment. So, make sure you update your child’s accessories collection with some quality eyewear that keeps them protected and makes them look stylish. But, how do you choose the right pair of sunglasses?

Tips For Buying Children’s Sunglasses

The majority of parents aren’t much experienced with sunglasses shopping, and things can get a little tricky for them. For example, should they buy regular sunglasses or polarized sunglasses? Do the sunglasses really block UV rays? Such questions make it difficult for parents to choose the right sunglasses for their kids. So, here are a few important things to remember when buying children’s sunglasses.

UV Protection

Make sure the glasses you select block out 99 to 100 percent of the Ultra Violet rays (both UVA and UVB). Look for a UV-400 label on the box or printed on the sunglasses’ sidearm.

Frame Type

Kid’s sunglasses come in a variety of different frame styles, so you’ll need to find the one that your child is comfortable wearing. For example, toddlers and young children will need flexible frames, while older ones can do with solid frames too.

Quality Material

The material of the frame tells you how long the sunglasses will last. Toddlers’ sunglasses should be solid and durable as they are not good at handling them and might drop them often. Also, make sure you read the company’s website to know that they have used safe materials that don’t pose any allergic reactions or other health risks.

Size

Incorrectly sized sunglasses can make children uncomfortable. The glasses should fit well and not be too tight or too loose on the child’s head. So, measure your child’s front width (ear-to-ear) and side length (from side to the back of the ear) to get them the ideal size. But, don’t worry if you don’t have the measurements! Our sunglasses are divided by age to make them easier to fit the size.

Style

Though you will find various sunglasses styles and designs online, select the one that not only covers the eyes very well but also matches your child’s personality. Moreover, our kids’ sunglasses are named in a way that they resonate with children’s personalities and styles. Needless to say, the sunglasses should also be stylish and in line with your child’s personality.

Return Policy

Finally, don’t forget to check the return policy in case the sunglasses don’t fit well or your child doesn’t like them. Now that you know all about sunglasses’ importance and selection, make sure to buy a quality, protective, and stylish pair for your little one. And, what is the most credible online sunglasses resource?

Magic Coconuts: Protective Sunglasses For Happy Kids

Magic Coconuts offers cool, fashionable, and high-quality sunglasses for kids. Our sunglasses keep your little one’s eyes protected from the sun’s harmful UV radiation, allergens, and dust particles in the air. We have a wide variety of different styles and colors to choose from, so you can find the perfect pair of sunglasses for your child. Our sunglasses have flexible frames made with either nylon or silicon, making them highly durable, safe, and ideal for kids. Still confused about which size or pair to buy for your child? Don’t worry! Read our ultimate sunglasses buying guide, and you will know exactly what you need to get for your son or daughter! And last but not least, don’t forget to remind your kids to wear sunglasses every time they go outdoors!