Sun Protective Eye Gear for Kids: How to Buy the Best Sunglasses for Children

by Linda Varga on February 21, 2012

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Sunglasses for Sun Safety

Staying safe in the sun can be tough for little kids, especially when all they want to do is run around and have a blast. However, small steps, like choosing protective eyewear or sunglasses can help them have their fun in the sun while keeping their eyes safe from UV exposure.

According to Kids Health, “Most kids rack up between 50% and 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18, so it’s important that parents teach their children how to enjoy fun in the sun safely.”

Choosing the best type of sunglasses for your children and then, encouraging them to wear them regularly can be a small step in the right direction. In case, you are a little skeptical about the use of sun glasses and kids, here’s what the Skin Cancer Foundation has to say about keeping kids’ eyes safe from the sun, “Children under age 10 are at a high risk for skin and eye damage from UVR. The skin on their eyelids and around their eyes is more delicate and vulnerable than adult skin.”

Okay, so now that we’re convinced we need to go get ‘em those sunglasses, how do we choose the right one?

Here are some ways to pick the best sun protective eye gear that kids would love to use:

1. Take Your Kids Shopping

While this one is kind of a no-brainer, you’d be surprised at how many parents don’t ask their kids about the preference when it comes to sunglasses. So, don’t make the mistake of buying a pair that your kid, especially if a tween or teen, would never want to wear. Make sure that they get to choose the design, wear it and see whether it really is comfortable and most importantly, whether they like it.

 2. Identify Brands That Offer Both UVA and UVB Protection

Before you head to the stores, do a bit of your research and check out brands that offer complete protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

3. Pay Attention to the Lenses

Our kids lead very active lives. Running, jumping, playing, sliding, swinging. Yes, I know you get the point. So, make sure you pick lenses that are designed for playgrounds and kids’ lives. Plastic, scratch-resistant lenses with unbreakable frames are the best.

4. Check Fit and Finish

Finally, do a quick check to see that the lenses are clear, free of any scratches that may come from lying in a store window and that the frame fits snugly but not too tightly.

So, go ahead and shop for the best possible pair of sunglasses to keep your kids’ eyes safe from the sun without cutting down on their ‘fun in the sun’ time.

Do your children wear sunglasses when out and about?

Disclaimer: The article is not intended to replace medical advice and is strictly for informational purposes. Please check with a children’s eye specialist in case of any doubt.

Photo Credit: David Castillo Dominici

 

 

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Is Your Umbrella Really Keeping Those UV Rays Out?

by Linda Varga on January 21, 2012

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Stay Safe in the Sun


Think you are safe from cancer causing UV rays under your umbrella or canopy?  Think again!

When my son, Liam, was just 3 months old we took a family vacation to Hawaii. We spent our first day on a beautiful beach perched under a hotel umbrella. I dressed Liam in a cute pair of Hawaiian swim trunks with diaper beneath and there we sat watching the birds and listening to the ocean.

After just a couple hours on the beach (in the shade under the umbrella) I noticed that Liam’s skin had gotten sun burned. I was mortified.

It had never occurred to me that a person could get sun burned while sitting in the shade. Lesson learned.

Since then I have done some investigating and found research that explains why my son got sunburned in the shade.

You can find that research on the Skin Cancer Foundation’s website.

In short, the research revealed that up to 84% of UV rays found in direct sun reflect under your basic sunshade. Shocking! That’s a difference of only 16% less UV exposure than standing in direct sun. One study found that up to 1/3 of cancer causing UV rays actually reach your skin while you are sitting in the shade.

How is this possible? It’s possible because when UV rays enter the atmosphere they bounce off of things around us such as water, sand and concrete. As such, most of your UV exposure is indirect.

My umbrella has SPF 100+ so I must be safe, right? Actually, wrong.

No matter how high the fabric’s SPF or UPF, the amount of UV protection beneath an umbrella is very little. Again that is due to the high percentage of indirect UV rays.

A single umbrella on a sandy beach by the sea provides limited sun protection because so much UV is reflected under the umbrella from the surfaces of the sand, water and sky.

Shade structures such as canopiesalso vary widely in the amount of protection provided. Since levels of indirect UV can still be high beneath these shade structures, many have real SPFs of only around 3-6.

In a study done with 29 shade structures in New Zealand primary schools, only six had SPFs of 15 or greater, the minimum acceptable amount recommended for outdoor activities.The researchers found this alarming given the importance of protecting children against UV and the strong evidence that excessive sun exposure during childhood significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

The researchers of this study concluded that shade structures with side-on walls or other side protection provide the greatest shelter from the sun’s rays.

It was my concern for protecting my family from indirect UV rays that led me to develop the ezShade.

The ezShade is made from a special fabric that has a UPF 50+, which means that it blocks over 99% of UVA and UVB rays. The ezShade instantly attaches to any portable umbrella or canopy. The ezShade umbrella version weighs just 9 ounces, has a roll-up strap and comes with a matching tote. The bottom pocket adjusts to the height of your umbrella or canopy and can be weighted with sand, water bottles or towels to keep your ezShade from blowing in the wind. You can add multiple ezShade panels to create a portable privacy enclosure.

Enjoy your time under your sunshade without fears of getting sunburnt!

Photo Credit: D.Sharon Pruitt

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