Essex parents unknowingly risk children's eyesight by not using sunglasses
Fewer than half of parents protect their child’s eyes with sunglasses from the sun during the summer months
An optometrist working across the East of England is warning parents to ensure their kids wear sunglasses amid an increased risk of damaged eyesight.
It's after new research by the College of Optometrists reveals 30% of parents say their children regularly wear sunglasses in the summer months.
Lead clinical advisor for the College, and practitioner in the East of England, Daniel Hardiman-McCartney tells Greatest Hits Radio children are more susceptible to UV-related eye damage:
"Because young children have really clear lenses in their eye, more of the UV light goes through the lens.
"And a bit like in the Disney movies children's pupils tend to be larger and wider so more of that bright light goes through and they're more affected by the sunlight's glare.
The research also shows two thirds of parents are not aware that sunglasses can help ease hay fever symptoms.
"Too much exposure to UV light from the sun can increase the risk of skin cancer on the eyelids and can cause damage to the surface of the eye" says Mr McCartney.
"It can also lead to raised growths on the white part of the eye, known as pingueculae and pterygia."
In the UK, around 30,000 new cases of eyelid skin cancer are diagnosed each year.
Eye experts are advising that just like sun cream and hats, sunglasses with UV protection should be part of our everyday protection through the summer months.
When asked about how to ensure the sunglasses you buy meet UV standards of protection, Mr McCartney said "it is really difficult to know".
"All glasses that you buy in the UK should meet the required British standard and have a stamped mark on the product, but often counterfeits are sold online.
Mr McCartney urges parents to buy from a reputable source, and if you buy in the UK, you can be reassured it meets the standards.
New data from The College of Optometrists highlights nearly 2 in 5 parents believe their child does not need sunglasses as they wear a hat or cap instead.
Whilst wearing a wide-brimmed hat or cap does 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%.
Experts are encouraging parents to take their child for regular eye tests every two years from the age of 3-4 years old, or as advised by their optometrist.