2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 18:44
The structures of the eye are made to absorb a certain amount of harmful rays from the sun. The cornea absorbs UVB rays while the lens of the eye, the lens, absorbs UVA rays.
This mechanism aims to protect the retina from too strong radiation that would damage it.
We must be wary of all sources of radiation, those direct by the sun's rays, but also those that affect us by reflection on sand, water and snow. When the eye is exposed for too long to harmful UV rays, it can develop pathologies, inflammation of the cornea or retina, or in the longer term cataracts, hence the importance of protecting yourself adequately..
Several elements can help us limit the level of harmful rays reaching the eye:
- the natural closure of the pupil;
- wearing a wide-brimmed hat or cap;
- wearing goggles.
In the case of goggles, you have to differentiate between filters that block harmful rays and tint that reduces the amount of light and therefore glare. A filter that blocks UV rays mustprovide full protection. The mention UV100% or UV400 indicates such protection. The filter is transparent and can therefore be added to a corrective lens if the child must wear glasses or to a neutral lens, without force.
Hues vary in color and intensity. It is important to choose the right color according to the child's activities. The following shades are the most used:
Green: limits glare without significantly changing color perception. More difficult to wear if the lighting dims or in darker weather.
Gray: The perfect choice for everyday activities. It does not alter the natural perception of colors and provides good protection against glare.
Brown: mainly used for driving, it can be useful in certain cases where the patient needs to increase the perceived luminosity (cataract, retina problem). Little used for children.
The intensity of the shade should be chosen carefully, i.e. the one that provides the most comfort while not reducing the child's vision. If a shade is too dark and worn often, the child will tend to develop an addiction to the shade and develop a hypersensitivity to light.
It is therefore important to limit the wearing of tinted lenses to outdoor activities and during prolonged exposure to the sun. Even in the case of cosmetic lenses (pink, purple, pale blue), newly introduced as a modein adolescents, these shades alter the natural perception of color and should only be worn on the professional recommendation of an optometrist, ophthalmologist or dispensing optician.
One last point to underline: the quality of the glasses is important. Most of the sun lenses purchased in supermarkets are molded shells which, for some, have distortions that create discomfort such as headaches and, possibly, defects of perception. In addition, the lenses are not treated against scratches. However, a surface that becomes scratched provides parasitic reflections that can harm the child. Finally, the frame must be shock resistant. Indeed, if a part comes off or breaks easily, it can enter the eye and cause injury to the child.
Remember that it is better to wear nothing than to wear glasses providing inadequate protection
So here are some tips for buying reliable sunglasses for your child.
Lens Quality
- Wear the scope or look through the lenses;
- Fix a rectangular object (e.g. floor tiles);
- Move your head or scope up and down and left and right, up and down;
- If the lines remain straight, the distortion is negligible;
- Do not buy a scope that has more distortion or has a fragility of themount.
Filter Quality
- The inscription must indicate UV400 or UV100% protection;
- In a professional office, ask to check the protection.
Frame Quality
- It should be sturdy and have no easily detachable parts that could come into contact with the eye;
- Temples should ideally be extendable with springs;
- It must have a coping mechanism or nose pads, poorly formed in young children;
- The temples must be easily modified to conform to the morphology of the child;
- Ideally, it should be of ophthalmic quality and include a guarantee of solidity as well as on the potential defect.
Determine shade
- Consult a professional to determine the most appropriate shade;
- The tint should be dark enough to reduce light intensity without impairing the child's vision.
In an ideal world
- Consult an eye care professional (optometrist, dispensing optician or ophthalmologist);
- Ask them for an ophthalmic-grade lens and frame;
- Ask for scratch-resistant lenses;
Plan a minimum budget of $50 for quality sunglasses.
Practical tips for dealing with the sun
- Make sure your child is protected from the sun by never sittingface of the latter and positioning the bassinet, carriage or pram in the shade (1 year);
- If the child is exposed to the sun, use a wide-brimmed hat or cap;
- The child should never look directly at the sun, whether there is an eclipse or not;
- Do not allow children to play with magnifying glasses or mirrors that reflect sunlight;
- Consult a professional (optometrist or ophthalmologist) if your child cannot tolerate even indirect sunlight, or if their eyes water when outdoors.
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