Parents Risk their Children's Eyesight in the Sun

•    Three quarters (76 per cent) of parents don’t protect their kid’s eyes in the sun
•    Up to 80 per cent of a person’s exposure to harmful UV happens before the age of 18
•    Of those who do buy sunglasses for their children, almost half (46 per cent) put cost ahead of protection

British parents are risking their child’s eyesight by exposing them to bright sunlight without appropriate protection, according to a new study from the College of Optometrists. Over three-quarters (76 per cent) of parents questioned admitted to not making sure their child wears sunglasses when out and about in the sun.

The shocking statistics are revealed as the UK is set to head into another hot spell, meaning more bright sunshine and harmful UV rays. Astonishingly, while almost half (43%) of parents ensure their child’s time in the sun is limited and three-quarters (76%) make sure they apply suncream to their child’s skin, buying sunglasses to provide protection for the eyes appears not to be a priority.

Almost a third (29%) of those questioned do not even buy sunglasses for their kids; however, of those who do, only one in four (25 per cent) choose sunglasses from a reputable brand or supplier and 46 per cent opt for price over protection.

Parents from Northern Ireland appear to be the worst culprits with just 14 per cent claiming to make sure their child wears sunglasses in the sun. Parents in Wales came out on top with over half (55 per cent) stating that they buy sunglasses for their children.

Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser at The College of Optometrists, says: “I am shocked to see that so many parents aren’t ensuring that their child’s eyes are protected in the sun, and am equally astounded to see that of
those who do, many are opting for ‘cheap and cheerful’ over quality.

According to the World Health Organisation, up to 80 per cent of exposure to UV over a person’s lifetime occurs before the age of 18*.  It’s therefore especially important that parents make sure that children wear sunglasses so that any long-term damage is minimised.”

Protection for children’s eyes is imperative in strong sunlight. Just as most of us wouldn’t dream of sending our kids out into the sun without SPF protection, neither should we expose their eyes directly to strong sunlight. Sunlight can damage the retina and lens of the eye, increasing the risk of developing certain conditions such as cataracts in later life. 

As with the adult versions, the choice of children’s sunglasses on the high-street is huge. The College of Optometrists recommends following these basic, but essential, guidelines when purchasing a pair for your child:

•    Buy good quality, dark sunglasses - Sunlight can damage the retina and the lens of the eye and we risk causing long term damage to our eyesight, developing conditions such as cataracts and possibly AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration) by remaining unprotected.

•    Check they are up to standard - Good sunglasses don’t need to be expensive: you can purchase perfectly adequate protective sunglasses from high street stores.  Look out for glasses carrying the "CE" Mark and British Standard BS EN 1836:1997, which ensures that the sunglasses offer a safe level of UV protection.

•    Light coloured eyes are especially vulnerable - people with light coloured eyes are most at risk from sun damage.  If you have blue eyes, take even more care to wear glasses in the sun.

The College of Optometrists, the professional, scientific and examining body for optometrists in the UK, has issued this warning as part of its ongoing campaign to raise awareness of eye health.

** Total sample size was 2,000 parents aged between 18-51+. Fieldwork was undertaken between 5th – 7th August 2009.  The survey was carried out online.

*http://www.who.int/uv/resources/fact/en/fs261protectchild.pdf