25 June 2025

Over half of parents don't fully protect children's eyes in the sun

New research shows that only 30% of kids always wear sunglasses on sunny days and more than a third of parents believe a hat or cap offers the same protection as sunglasses.

According to new research, more than half of parents (55%) do not ensure their children wear sunglasses with UV protection when spending time outside in the sun.

With over a fifth of parents (42%) admitting to always wearing sunglasses on sunny days themselves, this falls to only 30% for their children. The research, which was conducted by The College of Optometrists, found that:

nearly two in five parents (38%) believe their child does not need sunglasses as they wear a hat or cap instead
32% confessed to their child’s sunglasses always getting lost or broken
14% have found it difficult to find a pair that fit their child well enough

Whilst wearing a wide-brimmed hat or cap can offer some protection from harmful UV rays, combining wearing a hat with sunglasses can reduce UV radiation from reaching your eyes by up to 98%.

“Children are more susceptible to UV-related eye damage because their pupils are larger and their eye lenses clearer, which allows more UV radiation to reach their retina. Long term exposure to even small amounts of UV radiation has been linked to an increased risk of developing earlier onset cataract, or macular degeneration in later life. It’s important that parents encourage their children to wear both a hat and sunglasses in the summer months, and that they look for the CE or UKCA mark when buying sunglasses to ensure they meet British standards for UV protection.

“We advise parents to take their children for regular eye tests every two years from the age of three to four years old, or as advised by their optometrist. This will ensure any childhood eye and vision issues are detected and treated early to prevent any issues later in life.”

Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu, clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists

As children are spending on average five hours a day outside during the summer holidays, the fear of sunburn and UV damage does weigh on parents’ minds as a barrier for their children spending more time outside (42%).

Keen to ensure their child/ren stay safe in the sun when spending time outdoors in the summer months, 65% of parents surveyed make sure their kids keep hydrated and 61% protect their skin by wearing sun cream. However, only 45% of parents have their child/ren wear sunglasses with UV protection.

Furthermore, although half of parents (50%) recognise the benefits sunglasses can have in preventing glare and protecting the eyes from wind and debris, only a third (33%) were aware that wearing wraparound sunglasses can also reduce hay fever symptoms.

Although 70% of parents surveyed recognise the increased risk of the development of long-term vision as a potential consequence of not protecting their child’s eyes from UV rays, an eye test is still not top of the list when it comes to back-to-school priorities.

More than half of parents (52%) prioritise school uniform shopping during the school holiday’s while just 40% recognise the importance of an eye test.

Over half of parents don't fully protect children's eyes in the sun

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