Don’t you think it’s super cute to see a toddler with sunglasses? Kinda like watching your daughter put on Mommy’s shoes and play dress up. But, did you know that even the smallest of kids need to wear some type of UV protection for real and NOT for dress up? I didn’t either.
The reason why I’m writing about this is because I’ve been packing for a beach vacation and have been thinking about exposure to the sun. Then it hit me: my daughter plays outside in the sun every day, not just on beach holiday. We try to put a sun hat on her. Try. That doesn’t always go over very well (though, now, come to think of it maybe she just needs a pink one…that seems to work for everything else).
And the sunscreen – we usually don’t forget the sunscreen.
But the glasses? Nope. She has a pair I picked up just for fun, but come to find out, it’s not just for fun now is it? According to Lens Crafters resident eye-care specialist Dr. Grossman, 80% of a person’s lifetime UV exposure is received before a child turns 18. In fact, kid’s eyes are even more susceptible to harmful UV rays because their lenses are thinner than an adults. Didn’t know that!
Anyway, pick up some sunglasses for you AND your little one and make sure they offer UV protection – at least 99%. You can either go the prescription or non-prescription sunglasses route at your eye doctor (or wherever you buy your glasses) or have sunglasses tested at any Lens Crafters. It sounds silly but if it’s quick and easy, why not?
photo credit: Dan Queiroz
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