Look After Your Eyes

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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.


 

  • Ask an Expert

  • Do you have a question about your eyes?

  • UK optical community rallies to launch inaugural National Eye Health Week

    For the first time ever the UK eyecare sector is joining forces with charities and healthcare professionals to launch National Eye Health Week 2010 (14- 20 June).

    Under the banner Vision Matters, the campaign aims to communicate the importance of eye health and the need for regular sight tests to people from every walk of life. Organisations across the UK are staging a whole range of activities to support the campaign.

    See what you can do! Go to www.visionmatters.org.uk to see how to take part, what’s going on and for further eye health information.


    Find out more »

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Top Eye Tips

Buying Sunglasses

Buy good quality, dark sunglasses - Sunlight can damage the retina and the lens of the eye. Children are more prone to sun damage to the eyes because their lenses are clearer.

What to look for:

  • CE Mark / British Standard
  • Close-fitting large lenses
  • l00 percent UV protection
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