Should Kids Wear Sunglasses? Yes, Here’s Why

Yes, kids should wear sunglasses. It protects their sensitive eye and skin from the harsh UV rays, wind, sand, or other particles that get inside the eyes. For that, you need to find the right sunglasses that fit properly on your child and make them habituated to wearing the sunglasses. 

Introductions 

We naturally take care of children, but how many of us care extra for children’s eyes? A child’s eyes are more vulnerable and need the most care from an early age. So, if you are looking to take care of your child, you are in the right place. 

In today’s article, my topic is about the safety of children’s eyes. 

• Should kids wear sunglasses like adults? 
• Do they get the benefit? 
• What should we consider while choosing the right sunglasses? 
• How do we make wearing sunglasses a habit of children? 

And many more. Let’s get started. 

Why do Kids Need Sunglasses? 

Sunglasses are beneficial accessories for people of all ages. If kids use sunglasses whenever they are going out, this will help them in many healthy ways. 

Let’s explore some reasons why kids shouldshould kids be required to wear sunglasses outside. 

• Many children wear fashionable clothes, and sunglasses are a symbolic item of fashion. 
• Sun rays or gust of air may harm their eyes. Sunglasses help children’s eyes to stay safe from these. 
• They offer comfort and better vision in any environmental situation and ensure healthy vision, clarifying the look. 
• Long-time sun exposure may cause cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium, or photokeratitis. 
• Wearing sunglasses shields children’s eyes from the UV or ultraviolet rays of the sun. There are 3 types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. The UVA rays reach the earth, and excess exposure to UV may cause skin disease, eye infection, etc. 

Benefits of Kids Wearing Sunglasses 

Having your child wear sunglasses benefits them in numerous ways, along with ensuring eye health. So, if you are going to teach your kids the importance of sunglasses, let’s know what benefits children will get by wearing them. 

Aids to fashion 

There is a wide range of fashionable sunglasses for kids available on the market. The most common use of kids’ sunglasses is as a fashion accessory. 

Eye protection 

Sunglasses protect babies’ eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. As kids’ eyes are more sensitive than those of adults, this ensures their eye health stays in good condition and prevents developing any damage to the eye later in life. 

UV protection for children’s eyes 

Harsh sun rays emit harmful UV rays, which have a high risk of causing eye issues like cataracts, macular degeneration, or Pterygium if the eye is exposed in the long term. Thus, using sunglasses helps children shield their eyes from the effects of ultraviolet light. 

Safeguard from the blue light 

Blue light affects the sleep pattern. You may find sunglasses that prevent a child’s eye from getting affected by the blue light. 

Prevents eye conditions 

Talking about Photokeratitis is a sunburn-like painful eye condition. The detrimental part is that it affects the cornea. Wearing sunglasses shades the eye from exposure to UV rays. 

Offers eye comfort 

Quality sunglasses can remove brightness and glare. So, whenever children wear them, they can feel the comfort even under the bright sun and look around comfortably. 

Saves from strong wind

Sunglasses work as a barrier. Wearing it protects children’s eyes from the sand, dust, and debris getting inside the eyes. 

Ensure better vision

Sunglasses help reduce eye strain and squinting that occurs due to harsh sunlight. Thus, it reduces eye fatigue. 

What Type of Sunglasses Are Best for Babies? 

Among the different types of sunglasses available on the market, finding which one you should rely on is confusing. Therefore, what you can do is find sunglasses that offer the following benefits to your children. 

• 100% UV protection (both UVA {long-length rays} & UVB {short-length rays}]. 
• Wraparound or strapped sunglasses that stay in position on the child’s face 
• Impact-proof lenses that are made of polycarbonate, such lenses are bendable 
• Made of rubber frame as these are soft to child’s skin 
• Sunglasses that are shatter-resistance 
• Close-fitting to face that blocks out light 
• Anti-scratching lens coating 
• Polarized lenses 
• Lightweight 

Choosing the Right Sunglasses for Kids 

Take note of what types of sunglasses are effective and comfortable for your children. Among the countless sunglasses for children available in the market, here are the factors that will help you find the appropriate one. 

Child’s age

Take into consideration your children’s ages. Sometimes, children are reluctant to use accessories like sunglasses, hats, wristwatches, etc. So, you have to be cautious while looking for sunglasses that suit their needs, match their faces, and don’t create any discomfort while they wear them. Also, to make them accustomed to using a sunglass, buy one at an early age.  

Lenses 

While searching for sunglasses for my children, I was astonished. There are lens variations for children’s sunglasses, too. For example, there are sunglasses specified for outdoor activities, sports, or hyper active children. 

Lens Color 

Consider the lens color as well because different colors have different types of impacts. For example, 

• Dark lens color: Blocks more intense light. Also, retains the original color of the subject. 
• Bronze or Amber: Filters strong blue light and offers focus. 
• Blue: Having mercury coating reflects blue light, a solution for children sensitive to light. 

Fits appropriately

The one you are choosing to buy has to fit properly on your child’s face, neither too tight nor too loose. It has to fit right on the child’s head, temples, and nose bridge. Cancel the ones that are too big or too tight. Take your child with you while choosing the sunglasses; let them find what they like. 

UV protection 

Many child glasses have a UV protection system, such as UV400 protection. This type of sunglasses protects UV wavelengths between 10 to 400 nanometers. You can purchase one of those. 

Comfortability  

Check if the sunglasses are comfortable. Having straps helps the glass stay in position and not to fall off. Also, it has to be lightweight so that children can easily carry it. Some sunglasses have rubber frames and wrap-around designs, which are also cool options. 

Design 

Sunglasses come in different shapes, glass, and styles. Ask your children which one they want. The best sunglasses would offer both protection and fashion. 

Frame 

Children’s sunglass frame also comes in different frames. Such as 

• Metal frame 
• Plastic frame 
• Wooden frame 
• Rubber frame 

Check for the frame if this fits well in their face. For that, keep an eye on the material and frame size. As the users of sunglasses are children and they are going to use, drop, and throw it, the material should be a priority. 

Budget 

If you are looking for somewhat high-quality sunglasses, they may cost a bit more than regular ones. Therefore, you have to have a budget for your child’s sunglasses that matches your affordability and sunglass quality. Don’t fall for cheap items, those neither helpful to your child nor worthy of your money. 

Tips for Getting Kids to Wear Sunglasses

It’s tough to convince kids when they are adamant about not doing something. But for their betterment, parents need to take every necessary step. 

If your kids are not wearing sunglasses and you want to build this habit among them, here are a few tips you can put into play. 

Have them wear them at a young age 

Like other kids’ clothing, have your child wear comfortable and eye-protection-ensured sunglasses at an early age. This will take a while for them to adjust, but once they are set, they will naturally wear them. 

Lead by example 

Kids mostly follow what their parents do. Whenever you are going out with your children, use sunglasses and say something positive about what you feel by wearing the sunglasses. When you are regular in using it, your children will do the same over time. 

Explain the benefit of wearing sunglasses 

Sit with your child and have an important discussion. Here is what you can talk about with them 

• Tell them why it is important. 
• Tell them, that not wearing sunglasses will harm their eyes.
• And end with benefits they will get. 

Having a proper understanding will motivate them to use the sunglass.  

Let children choose 

To make the sunglass-wearing more fun, bring your children to the store. Let them choose which one they like. Giving them a choice will help them find what they like and thus chances are they are more likely to wear that. 

Encourage the combo style fashion 

Have a wide brimmed hat paired with the baby’s sunglasses. Whenever they are going out, tell them to wear their fashion pair to make them look good. This generally works like magic. 

Admire them when they wear 

Praise works pretty well among the children. If they are reluctant to wear the sunglasses, this is a good trick. Have them wear them, and then praise them, and make positive comments, like they look cool, and stylish on it. You can hope to have a change of their mind. 

Don’t force, create fun  

Don’t push them too hard if they don’t want to wear the sunglasses. Take some time and let them gradually understand wearing sunglasses is good, fun, and stylish. 

Show examples of their role models  

Take advantage of other characters who are wearing sunglasses. For example, children similar to their age, or any of their hero or cartoon character. Sometimes children are very fond of one of their parents and imitate their every action, which will do the trick as well. 

Take Care of Your Children’s Sunglasses 

Children’s items are delicate. Like any other usable item, you need to care for your sunglasses as well. Here are some tips on how you can take care of your child’s sunglasses. 

Cleaning Tips 

• Clean your child’s sunglasses every day. Cleanse properly with clean water and mild soap. Use a microfiber cloth to clean the glass. Rub gently so as not to leave any scratch marks. 
• Do not use harsh chemicals or salt water to clean kid’s sunglasses or eyeglasses. Those are harmful to the coating. 

Storing Tips 

• Do not keep them with a child’s toy or any open place. Put them in a case or drawer so that outside specks don’t fall on it. 
• Keep them away from naturally hot places, for example, near the car class during summer. 

Usage Tips 

• Check regularly if the sunglasses are broken or have any signs of damage. As you are assigning this item to take care of your child’s eye, it should be in as good a new position. 
• Do not use glue or similar materials to repair their broken sunglasses. Replace if there is any damage. Don’t let it be used for long if there is any issue you find. 
• Have more than one spare pair of sunglasses for your kids prepared always. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Conclusion 

Statistic says that babies’ eyes still develop even after their birth. So, we need to take precautions so their eyes are not exposed to any type of harm. If you want to ensure eye health for your kids, sunglasses are one of the solutions. They help protect their eyes from UV light and safeguard the child’s skin around the eyes from sunburn. So, start working on making this a habit for them to ensure their good vision.