Children's sunglasses: which to choose and which to avoid?

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July 17 2024
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    Sunglasses are a key element of health care dzieci, especially in the face of intense solar radiation. The right glasses can protect children's delicate eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays, which can not only lead to irritation of the eye surface, but also increase the risk of developing serious vision problems in the future. Therefore, it is important for parents to choose children's sunglasses certified to block 100% of UVA, UVB and UVC radiation.

    In addition to protection against UV radiation, appropriate sunglasses should provide children with comfort when playing outdoors, minimizing the discomfort resulting from too bright sunlight. Which sunglasses to choose? Since when can children wear them? What filter w sunglasses will be suitable for children? We invite you to read the article in which we explain what well-chosen sunglasses should have.

    Sunglasses for children: which ones to choose?

    We know that searching is good sunglasses for children can make parents feel dizzy. To make it simpler, it is worth being aware of what Features to pay attention to well to choose.

    Choosing the right ones sunglasses for children should be guided primarily by:

    • the presence of protective elements, i.e. UV and polarization filters;
    • safe material and durability of the frame;
    • and of course – wearing comfort. 

    Which sunglasses for children should you choose?: what should you know?

    Protective elements: UV filters and polarization

    In the store, choose glasses with specific features ability to block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. About that, what filter should you choose in children's sunglasses, we will mention later in the article. 

    Another important element in glasses are: good clarity of vision without color distortion and polarization. Polarized lenses reduce glare and improve the quality of vision during intense sunlight. And as we know, this is especially important when playing outside or on family trips.

    Material made

    Parents should also look for glasses with durable materials, which are non-toxic and hypoallergenic to avoid irritation or allergic reactions. Glasses should also be damage-resistant to protect your little ones safe use. Children's glasses frames should be light, flexible and unbreakable, and the lenses should be shatter-resistant.

    It is worth choosing materials such as polycarbonate or TR90 - due to their durability and resistance to damage.

    It is also an important aspect when choosing glasses for children confirmation of their quality by appropriate certificates and tests carried out by independent organizations. Certificates such as CE (Conformité Européenne) guarantee that the product meets the safety standards in force in the European Union. 

    Wearing comfort

    We also cannot forget about proper fit i wearing comfort. Glasses should be light and adjusted to the shape of the child's head. It is worth considering a product with flexible temples that do not squeeze, but at the same time prevent the little explorer's glasses from slipping. In addition, it is worth choosing models with flexible hinges, which increase the durability of the glasses.

    Sunglasses for children: since when?

    We should start protecting children's eyes against the harmful effects of sunlight as early as possible. However, does this mean that Sunglasses suitable for the youngest dzieci? Since when parent can start thinking about purchasing them?

    Although sunglasses in stores are available for the youngest children - including babies, in answer to the question: sunglasses – since when? – it is recommended to wait before using them regularly in your child until the age of four. 

    Expert advises

    A child's eyesight develops intensively until the age of fifteen, and the lens of the eye is constantly forming during this period. Too early and frequent use of glasses may limit the child's field of vision and thus negatively affect his or her natural need to explore the world. 

    Jolanta Wacławek
    Pediatrician in the One-Day Hospitalization Department, Institute of Mother and Child

    Before the age of four, let's try to accustom children to glasses gradually, mainly during the peak sun hours (10:00-16:00), when the risk of eye damage due to UV radiation is the greatest. 

    Children's sunglasses: what filter?

    A key element sunglasses for children jest UV filter. What filter will be a good choice for children? The optimal choice is glasses with a marking UV400, which block UVA, UVB and UVC rays with almost 100% effectiveness. Stands out three kinds ultraviolet solar radiation, which differ in their impact on eye health:

    • UVA radiation – it is radiation with a longer wavelength that can penetrate deep into the skin and the inner layers of the eye, contributing to the acceleration of the aging process and potential damage to the retina.
    • UVB radiation – although it only reaches the surface layers of the eye, it is more intense and can lead to corneal burns, also known as snow blindness. It is also responsible for damaging the eye surface and accelerating the development of cataracts.
    • UVC radiation – is the most harmful, but thanks to the Earth's atmosphere, whose ozone layer absorbs this radiation, it practically does not reach the Earth's surface. 

    UV400 certified glasses provide comprehensive protection against all types of UV radiation, which may contribute to the development of eye diseases such as cataracts or retinal damage.

    Which sunglasses for children should you choose: choose wisely

    Making a decision about what sunglasses for children to choose it's much more than just an addition to your summer outfit. It's well thought out investment in healthy vision development a child, which provides protection against harmful UV radiation from the earliest years of life. 

    Thanks to properly selected glasses that meet all safety and comfort standards, parents can be sure that they are doing everything to provide their children with the best conditions for healthy vision development.

    Medical consultation

    Jolanta Wacławek
    Pediatrician in the One-Day Hospitalization Department, Institute of Mother and Child

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