Whether sandy or paved beach, green space or mountain meadow: Playing outside is the greatest thing for children. Sunscreen and headgear get the little ones usually missed, on the sunglasses, however, think only a few parents. Wrongly so, because children’s eyes are particularly sensitive and in need of protection. Children’s eyes are clearer and more translucent than adults’: Pigments that give the eye its own natural protection against light and UV radiation only develop over the years. Therefore, children’s eyes can do little to counter the dangerous short-wave rays.
Children should also wear sunglasses
Kerstin Kruschinski of the Kuratorium Gutes Sehen says, “If the eyes of little ones are permanently exposed to extreme sunlight, there is a risk of permanent damage from UV rays.” What many parents don’t know: Children can and should wear sunglasses, too – not all the time, but whenever a sun hat and sunscreen are also appropriate. Says Kruschinski, “No child should play in the blazing sun for any length of time without adequate protection – and ‘protection’ refers to the eyes as much as the skin or head.” Hat, goggles and cream are the ideal trio.”
Children’s sunglasses are not toys
Sunglasses have to withstand a lot on children’s noses and in children’s hands. They must not be sloppily finished, have sharp edges or break under any circumstances – there is a risk of injury here! Poor quality frames can often be interpreted as an indication of poor lenses. And bad lenses are dangerous: behind sunglasses, the pupils dilate – if the UV protection is not right, the dangerous rays can pass through unhindered and damage the child’s eye.
But even the best children’s sunglasses offer no protection if they are not worn. The difficulty: children do not express when the glasses pinch or are uncomfortable, but they also do not compromise on comfort. Uncomfortable glasses that pinch or slip or interfere with play are then simply not worn or “forgotten” somewhere.
Therefore: Do not buy children’s sunglasses in a toy store, but from an optician. There you can not only be sure that the quality is right, but he can also adjust the glasses to the head shape of the little ones. Kerstin Kruschinski believes that looks should not be neglected: “My tip as a mother is to take your child to the optician when you are choosing a pair of sunglasses for your child. If he or she is allowed to have a say, he or she will enjoy wearing his or her glasses often.”
The most important facts in a nutshell
- Children’s eyes are more sensitive to UV light than adults’ eyes.
- Sun protection for children includes sunglasses as well as headgear and cream.
- Children’s sunglasses should be well and stably processed, have no sharp edges and in no case break.
- Good wearing comfort is particularly important for children: what presses, slips or disturbs, is also not worn by children.
