Kid-Proof Children’s Sunglasses

Top 10 Reasons Kids Should Wear Children’s Sunglasses

1. Children’s eyes are more susceptible to damage from UV radiation

   The crystalline lens of a child’s eye transmits an incredible 70% more UV radiation through to the retina than the adult eye, putting their retina at a larger risk of damage in their early years. See HERE for a great article on Eye Damage due to UV Exposure

2. Eye damage in childhood is permanent

   The cells of the lens of the eye are never replaced! Lens proteins can’t be replenished which means that the lens cannot repair itself. Any damage to the lens in childhood is permanent. A good quality pair of children’s sunglasses, worn regularly when exposed to harsh sunlight, can help protect the lens from damage from the earliest age.

3. Protection from reflection is important too

   Very bright sunlight – reflected off sand, snow, water or the pavement – can cause immediate damage to the cornea, just as much as direct exposure. Hats only protect from above, not below, where reflections can do a lot of damage. A good pair of children’s sunglasses can help remedy that.

4. Early protection is essential

   On average, children in Australia spend more time outdoors than adults, therefore is estimated that over 1/2 of their entire life’s exposure to the sun will occur within the first 20 years of their life.

5. Kids look up more than adults

   True story! Their interest in discovering the world around them has our curious little looking EVERYWHERE in their early years…including directly up into the sun if something overhead should catch their attention.

6. Lead by example

   Like wearing seatbelts, eating well and looking before we cross the road, the best way to teach our children sun safety is to lead by example, so make sure you are following the 5 SunSmart guidelines in full yourself too: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide those sunnies on!

7. Undetectable damage

   Just because it doesn’t hurt, doesn’t mean it isn’t damaged. It can be tricky to explain the concept of eye sunburn to a child (or even an adult) because, unless the eye burn is very severe, they will not feel pain in the same way as they would if their skin were to become sunburned. It’s important to share that our eyes are just as sensitive as our skin to the sun, and also need regular sun protection.

8. Cumulative damage

   The long-term effects of sunburned eyes are cumulative. While degenerative eye issues like cataracts, macular degeneration and corneal melanomas are associated with older age, all very likely begin with childhood exposure to harmful UV radiation and blue light.

9. Ozone issues

   With our known Ozone depletion issues, our children’s eyes are at greater risk of UV damage than ours were back in the 70s, 80s or 90s. It might be natural to think back to your own childhood and think, ‘I didn’t wear sunnies when I was a kid and my eyes are just fine!’ We have a greater need now, environmentally, and greater data, scientifically, to do better for the next generation and offer our children’s eyes the proper protection they need from the sun.

10. Looking fly!

    And finally, because you know we’re all about FEELING GOOD at Bon+Co…your kids should wear children’s sunglasses because they are fun! They’ll love being able to choose a colour that expresses their personal style and slide on their sunnies in sync with you when you next step onto the beach – fully fun protected – as a family!