If there’s one activity that children love to do, it’s playing out in the sun. Outdoor activities are essential during the formative years of a child. Alas, being exposed to the sun for a long period has its disadvantages. Overexposure increases the risk of eye complications such as pterygium (surfer’s eye) and photokeratitis (snow blindness). Wearing sunglasses could protect their eyes against the harmful rays of the sun.
Here’s why sunglasses are good for children:
Children are more susceptible to ultraviolet eye damage
Compared to adults, children stand at a greater risk of eye damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays present in sunlight. The fluids, lens and cornea are clearer in children’s eyes, as a result of which, they permit more sunlight.
Prolonged exposure to the UV rays increases the risk of a number of eye complications in adults as well as children. They are:
- Pterygium: Is a benign growth of a fleshy, pinkish tissue in the conjunctiva, the outer white part of the eyes. If left untreated, Pterygium can worsen, cover the pupils, and lead to vision impairment
- Pinguecula: A couple of small non-cancerous growths develop on the conjunctiva. The growths have a yellowish appearance and look like raised patches
- Photokeratitis: This eye complication arises when UV rays damage the outer surface of the cornea. Some of the symptoms of Photokeratitis include redness, sensitivity to bright light, frequent tearing, and swelling of the eyes
- Cataract: Cataracts occur when protein in the lens starts forming clumps. With time, the protein clumps grow in size and cloud the lens which, in turn, leads to vision impairment. Disha Eye Hospitals has won acclaim for performing high-quality cataract surgeries in Kolkata.
How to choose the right sunglasses for your children?
While choosing sunglasses for your little ones, it’s best not to restrict your choice to shape/ colour alone. Always search for the pair that come with UVA and UVB protection. Your eye doctor could guide you in choosing the right pair for yourself and your children.
Other important eye safety tips:-
Apart from advising your children to wear sunglasses, you could take other measures to ensure more safety from the harmful UV rays:
- Wearing sun hats: Prolonged exposure to UV rays increases the risk of eyelid cancer. Although UV sunglasses protect the eyes, they do not sufficiently cover the skin surrounding the eyes. You could encourage your little ones to wear sun hats for an extra cover.
- Drinking plenty of water: Another very important precaution would be to urge your children to drink plenty of water. Tears can evaporate quicker than usual in the sun, leading to a feeling of grittiness or even dry eyes. Drinking water is a good habit that would keep the eyes hydrated.
Schedule an eye checkup for you and your family
You can now consult with one of the best eye doctors in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospitals if you’re interested in planning an eye safety routine for yourself and your children. Schedule an appointment online at http://www.dishaeye.org/organic/.