It’s no secret that children love to play under the sun, however this increases their exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light - the invisible electromagnetic radiation coming from the sun.

As kid's eyes are still developing, they are more vulnerable to damage from the sun and overexposure can lead to long term damage to the macula, retina, cornea and lens. It's also important to protect the delicate skin around the eyes and the eyelids, as this area can easily become sunburnt, potentially causing dryness, loss of elasticity, pigmentation and dangerous skin cancers such as melanoma. You can learn more about why it's important to protect kids' eyes from the sun in this blog!

So what should you look for in finding the BEST sunglasses? We've made it simple for you by creating a list of tips for selecting sunglasses best fit your child.

Keep an eye out for UV protection

Sunglasses for children should provide the highest suitable protection. We recommend looking for sunglasses that are 100% guaranteed to block UVA and UVB rays. Most sunglasses now have UV protection built into the lens rather than being coated on top of it, and most trustworthy products indicate UV protection on their labels.

Ensure the lenses cover the majority of your child's eyes

It’s best to not just choose sunglasses based on their cool design. Make sure that they have a large lens shape that can cover a lot of skin, especially the eye area. 

Choose bendable and durable shades

We all know how active children are, but it should not be the reason to compromise their eye safety.  It is very important to have sunglasses that can withstand all the falls and breaks - look for shatterproof lenses and kid-proof frames. Also, make sure that the fit is secure and comfortable,     

Allow your child to choose

Above all, it is best to let your child choose their sunglasses. You can narrow down their options based on safety and durability, but they should have the final say on style and colours.

Bonus Tip! 

When outside or on the beach, let your child wear wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen as an added layer of protection to minimise their UV exposure.