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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.

Almost a third (29%) of those questioned do not even buy sunglasses for their kids; however, of those who do, only one in four (25 per cent) choose sunglasses from a reputable brand or supplier and 46 per cent opt for price over protection.

For more information, go to www.lookafteryoureyes.org

Tip 1:

  • Buy good quality, dark sunglasses - Sunlight can damage the retina and the lens of the eye and we risk causing long term damage to our eyesight, developing conditions such as cataracts and possibly AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration) by remaining unprotected.

Tip 2:

  • Check they are up to standard - Good sunglasses don’t need to be expensive: you can purchase perfectly adequate protective sunglasses from high street stores.  Look out for glasses carrying the "CE" Mark and British Standard BS EN 1836:1997, which ensures that the sunglasses offer a safe level of UV protection.

Tip 3:

  • Light coloured eyes are especially vulnerable - people with light coloured eyes are most at risk from sun damage.  If you have blue eyes, take even more care to wear glasses in the sun.