Smart Shopping for Children's Sunglasses

You wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's glare--so why shouldn't your kids? According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, children under 10 are more at risk for eye damage from the sun's rays than pre-teens and teens. That's because during the first decade of life, the lens of a child's eye are clear, allowing more of the sun's rays to penetrate it. With more sun exposure comes more eye problems (such as cataracts and macular degeneration) that can cause loss of vision later in life. Additionally, without sunglasses, the delicate skin that surrounds your child's eye is at an increased risk of sun exposure. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that all children 6 months and older wear sunglasses. (Babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight.)

What to Look for

The most important thing to look for when buying sunglasses is UV protection. Choose sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. (There should be a sticker on the lens indicating how much protection the glasses deliver.) To get the maximum sun protection from a pair of sunglasses, look for large-framed, wrap-around styles that extend to your child's temple. And because kids can give anything a beating, including sunglasses, look for bendable frames and scratch- and shatter-resistant lenses (especially if your child plays sports such as baseball). Like your own sunglasses, those for your kids should hug the face, not slip and slide down off the bridge of the nose.

Common Pitfalls

While it is important for your kids to like the sunglasses (let them help you shop), don't buy a pair based on looks only. Your child may be clamoring for the Spiderman frames or the pink lenses, but only buy the sunglasses if they meet the above-mentioned criteria. And don't focus on len color or cost. Even shades with light-colored lenses and an inexpensive price tag can protect against UV rays if the label says that it does. If your child wears contact lenses with UV protection, still have him wear sunglasses to protect the skin around the vulnerable eye area. Lastly, encourage your child to wear the sunglasses whenever he is outdoors. The sun's damaging rays are still there, be it a cloudy day or the middle of winter.