UV Eye Protection for Kids and Teens

We know that too much ultraviolet exposure from the sun can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer, including around the eyes. It also increases a person’s risk of certain eye problems, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

When we consider UV damage and eye conditions, we might think it only affects adults, but children and teens are also at risk of damage to the eyes from UV rays. 
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Why kids are at risk from UV exposure 

Kids are at risk from too much exposure to UV rays for a few reasons. For example, children often spend more time in the sun than adults. According to the World Health Organization, studies indicate that about 80 percent of a person’s lifetime UV exposure occurs before age 18.

Children are also less likely to seek out shade when outdoors. These factors combined mean children may have more UV exposure than adults.

A child’s eyes may also be more sensitive to UV than an adult’s eyes. Adults have a mature lens, but a child’s lens may not filter out UV rays as well, which means more radiation may reach the retina. 
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How does UV exposure affect children’s eyes? 

UV rays from the sun can lead to both short-term and long-term consequences. Short-term problems from too much exposure to UV rays may include:

Bloodshot and irritated eyes: Too much time spent in the sun may lead to dry eyes, which might cause symptoms such as sensitivity to light, irritation, and bloodshot eyes.

Photokeratitis: Excess sun exposure can lead to a sunburn on your child’s skin. The same can happen to their eyes. Photokeratitis is a sunburn of the eye.

The UV exposure children get during childhood could also cause lasting effects. Possible long-term effects include:

Eye growths: According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, growths on the eyes due to excess sun exposure can develop as early as the teen years. One type of growth that can occur due to UV exposure is a pterygium, which grows on the white part of the eye.

Increased risk of cataracts: UV light may trigger certain changes in the eye that increase a person’s risk of cataracts. Even though cataracts do not usually affect children, the UV exposure they had in childhood may play a role later in life. 
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​Tips to reduce UV exposure in children 

Too much UV exposure is not good at any age. We also know that the damage is cumulative. The earlier UV protection starts, the better it is for the eyes. There are several things that will help decrease exposure to UV rays.

Apply sunscreen: Apply sunscreen on the skin that is exposed to the sun, including around the eyes and the eyelids. Be sure to select a sunscreen that offers protection against UVA and UVB rays. It should state broad-spectrum on the label. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, look for an SPF with a minimum of 30 for your children. Apply it about 30 minutes before going outside and reapply it every two hours if swimming or sweating.

Wear sunglasses: According to the Vision Council, only about five percent of parents surveyed reported that their children always wear sunglasses outside. Sunglasses should state they provide protection against UVA and UVB rays. Avoid toy sunglasses for small children, which likely do not provide enough UV protection.

Use a sunshade: It may not be practical to keep kids out of the sun during peak times or keep them in the shade, but if possible, try to use a sunshade, such as a canopy, outside when in direct sunlight.

Keep babies under six months out of the direct sunlight: Baby’s delicate skin and eyes can burn easily in the sun. If you are outside in the sun, keep your little one under an umbrella or sunshade.

Encourage hats: Try to have your child wear a wide-brimmed hat. It may be easier said than done with small children, but a hat can protect the eyes a little more.

We are happy to answer any questions on UV protection and the eyes or to discuss whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time. Please call our office at 508-746-8600. 
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