Sun protection is almost a religion in this country.  Children are now quite regularly wearing a hat in the playground though less frequently sunglasses.  This is despite research showing that ultraviolet (UV) damage from the sun causes several eye conditions such as cataract, age-related macula degeneration, snow blindness (photokeratitis), eyelid cancers and growths on the eye (ptyerygium) which can invade the cornea and affect vision.

Like our skin the damage is done early and doesn’t show up to later.  Therefore children should be encouraged to wear sunglasses as well as a broad brimmed hat.  With wider pupils and more sensitive ocular tissues, children’s eyes are more susceptible to sun damage.  It should also be noted that around water there is an increased danger from UV as sunlight reflects off the water.

The key is to protect eyes from as early an age as possible, as most UV exposure happens during childhood.  Children also tend to be outdoors quite a bit and evidence suggests that the eye’s crystalline lens transmits more UV in children.

A rule for sunglasses is to ensure that the eye isn’t visible from the side.

Prescription Sunglasses from $130 complete through the sunglass portion of the site, though any frame can become a sunglass, just Add Tint and UV. 

Adapted from Mivision issue 9 Dec 2006