Jeepers, Creepers- Please Protect Those Peepers!

Summertime - a time to play outside in the sun! The beach, parks and outdoor activities occupy much of our time in the summer. But with the sun comes harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Most people are aware of the harm they can do to our skin, but did you know UV rays can have harmful effects on our eyes, too?

There are three types of UV radiation - A, B and C. UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer. But UV-A and UV-B can have short- and long-term effects on our eyes. Our eyes can get a “sunburn” called photokeratitis. This occurs when our eyes are exposed to excessive amounts of UV over a short amount of time. Although very painful, photokeratitis is temporary and will usually not cause permanent damage. However, long-term exposure to UV can cause early onset cataracts and can contribute to the onset of macular degeneration later in life.

Because children generally spend more time outdoors than adults, some experts predict nearly half of our lifetime exposure to UV comes by the age of 18. Children are also more susceptible to damage caused by UV due to the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye because the clear lens inside a child’s eye is less able to block the UV than the adult lens. This enables more of the UV to penetrate deep into the child’s eye.

These factors make it very important for all children including infants to wear UV-blocking sunglasses while they are outside during the daylight hours - all year - and not just summer. This is true on overcast days as well because UV rays can penetrate cloud cover.

What do you look for when choosing sunglasses for your child? Make sure the lenses block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays. This should be noted on the lenses. The lenses should also be made of polycarbonate material, which is an impact-resistant material for safety. The frames should be large, yet close fitting for the best protection from the sun.

For superior UV protection, it is also a good idea for kids to wear a wide-brimmed hat along with sunglasses when spending much of a day outdoors.

By investing in quality children’s sunglasses, you are helping your child enjoy a lifetime of good vision.

Dr. Stacy Beute is an optometrist and owner of Wink Optical located in Lincoln Park. She has been in practice since 1998 and enjoys taking care of the families in Lincoln Park and the surrounding neighborhoods. Wink Optical is a family friendly optical boutique with fashionable eyewear. Wink offers primary care and emergency services, specialty contact lens fittings, vision therapy and LASIK co-management. More information about Dr. Beute and her practice can be found at www.WinkChicago.com.