Our industry does a decent job of preaching the importance of sun-wear for adults, but when it comes to children, we seem to drop the ball. It's time we step up and educate parents on the significance of sun and UV protection for our little patients.
The Downside
Kids are outdoor enthusiasts, spending three times more time outside than adults on average. Statistics show that 80% of a person's lifetime exposure to UV is during their early childhood years. Children engage in various activities such as sports, biking, swimming, or just running around while we are stuck indoors. This is what makes childhood so fantastic.
Parents are vigilant about protecting their kids' skin with daily sunscreen routines. Coppertone has done a
stellar job of raising awareness about the dangers of UV on the skin.
The crystalline lens in a child's eye is clearer allowing more UV radiation to reach the retina.
The Upside
As Eye Care Professionals, we have the power to enlighten parents about the risks of UV light on children's eyes and the delicate skin around them. Most parents are aware of the harm UV exposure can cause; we just need to provide them with a solution.
We know that damage from UV rays can accumulate over time, especially on kids' delicate eyelids and the skin around their eyes. Long-term consequences may include skin cancer around the eyes, cataracts, AMD, and the development of a Pterygium. Short-term effects like snow blindness or Photokeratitis can also occur from excessive UV exposure.
Equipping children with quality sunglasses that offer UV protection can help prevent these issues.
Tips to Assist
1. Keep a variety of plano sunglasses for kids in your office, as most sales will be non-prescription. Make them affordable for parents and offer a discount on a second pair for prescription jobs.
2. Kids can be tough on glasses, so offer durable frames with poly lenses.
3. Involve kids in choosing their frames; they are more likely to wear them if they like them.
4. Advise parents to keep the sunglasses safe when not in use to prevent loss.
5. Parents who wear sunglasses set a good example for their kids and are more likely to ensure their children wear theirs.
6. Ensure that sunglasses for kids adhere to the ANSI Z80.3 guidelines for UV and impact protection. Tinted lenses without UVA and UVB protection are worse than no tint at all.
7. Transitions GEN S is a convenient option for kids with prescription needs, providing one pair for all situations.
With summer in full swing, now is the perfect time to kickstart the UV protection conversation with your youngest patients.