Don't gamble with your children's eyes.
Children, as we know, are constantly on the move and often outdoors playing. Be vigilant about their visual health, especially in June and July when the intensity of ultraviolet (UV) rays is at its highest.
Did you know that children's eyes are very fragile? Unlike adults, children don't have a natural protection against the sun. Before the age of one, their lens is transparent and lets through 90% of UVA and 50% of UVB rays to the retina, whereas from the age of 25, some of the UV is absorbed by the lens and the cornea. Additionally, babies' blinking reflex isn't fully developed, so when faced with bright light, they don't yet have the reflex to squint their eyes for protection. To ensure very good protection, they need lenses that filter 100% of UV rays meeting EN1836 standards and suitable indices for sun exposure. Damage caused in childhood accumulates and increases the risk of eye problems in adulthood.
WHAT SUN PROTECTION INDEX FOR YOUR CHILDREN'S SUNGLASSES?
For your children, it's essential to choose sunglasses that protect their eyes from 100% of UV rays. Then, we recommend opting for protection indices of at least category 3, with light transmission from 8 to 18%, or category 4, from 3 to 8%, for babies and children in case of intense exposure: full days at the beach or at high altitudes.
WHAT RISKS / PATHOLOGIES ARE RELATED TO SUN EXPOSURE?
Excessive sun exposure can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and other eye diseases such as keratitis, which is inflammation of the cornea, early cataracts due to deterioration of the cornea and lens, or even an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) over time.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT COMBINATION TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN'S EYES?
Once you've chosen the lenses, we recommend selecting a frame that:
- provides coverage to block light from all sides
- offers good retention: your child should be able to lower and move their head without losing their glasses
- has temples that allow you to attach a strap to prevent loss or ensure maximum retention
- is adapted to your child's facial morphology
A good pair of sunglasses for your child should be specially designed for their morphology, have lenses that protect them 100% against UV rays, and have a protection index of 3 or 4. Be wary of adult models scaled down to small sizes or fancy sunglasses!