While we all know the importance of applying suncream to protect our children’s skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun, did you also know that it is just as important to protect their eyes? Overexposure to UV rays can cause both short and longterm problems for your child’s eye health, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer around the eyes.

Tip 1: Choose the Right Sunglasses

First and foremost, investing in a good pair of sunglasses can go a long way in protecting your child’s eyes from the sun. Look for sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection and that block at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays.

Additionally, choose sunglasses that wrap around your child’s face to protect their eyes from all angles.

Tip 2: Use a Brimmed Hat or Cap

In addition to sunglasses, a brimmed hat or cap can offer another layer of protection for your child’s eyes. Choose a hat with a wide brim that shades their face and eyes from the sun’s rays.

Tip 3: Avoid Peak Sun Hours

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm. Try to plan outdoor activities before or after these peak hours to reduce your child’s overall sun exposure.

Tip 4: Stay in the Shade

When possible, seek out shaded areas for outdoor activities. Trees, umbrellas, and canopies can all provide protection from the sun’s harmful rays and reduce your child’s risk of sun damage.

Tip 5: Educate Your Children

Teach your child about the importance of protecting their eyes from the sun’s rays. Explain that just like wearing suncream protects their skin from burning, wearing sunglasses and hats can protect their eyes from damage too.

Tip 6: Use Eye Protection During Outdoor Sports

If your child participates in outdoor sports, make sure they wear appropriate eye protection. Sports goggles or glasses with polycarbonate lenses can provide both UV protection and impact resistance.

Tip 7: Choose Right Swimming Goggles

If your child loves swimming, invest in swim goggles that offer UV protection. Like sports goggles, they should also have impact-resistant lenses. This will protect both their eyes and the delicate skin around them from UV damage.

Tip 8: Be Mindful of Reflections

UV rays can reflect off surfaces such as water, sand, or even concrete. This can cause your child’s eyes to be exposed to more UV light than they would be otherwise.

Encourage your child to wear sunglasses in these situations, and avoid looking directly at the sun’s reflection on water or other surfaces.

Tip 9: Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are important for maintaining your child’s overall eye health, as well as catching any potential problems early on.

Make sure to schedule regular check-ups with an eye doctor to ensure your child’s eyes are in optimal health.

Tip 10: Be a Good Role Model

Lastly, be a good role model for your child. Wear sunglasses and hats yourself when you are outside to show your child that protecting your eyes from the sun is important for everyone’s health.