Wearing sunglasses during winter

Having your child wear sunglasses during winter is as important as having them wear them on a summer day. According to the America Academy of Pediatrics UV damage is cumulative over a lifetime. Sunglasses may help reduce UV related eye disease later in life.

The effect of winter sun

• The sun’s rays can burn the outer layer of the eyes just like it can burn the outer layer of the skin.
• Snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s rays. This percentage is far greater than  sand, water, cement, grass or dirt.
• Outdoor winter activities increase risk. Being out in snow covered  hilly terrain allows reflected rays to hit the eyes from all angles.
• Recognize the early symptoms of snow blindness. It is a form of photokeratitis, a painful eye condition, caused by UV rays reflected off ice and snow . ​It is like a sunburn to the cornea of the eye and can occur in anyone—even in the unprotected eyes of infants being carried or pushed in strollers and toddlers frolicking in the snow.

It is important to ask your pediatric opthalmologist about the type of sunglasses to buy.  You should look out for sunglasses  that block or offer 99% and higher of UV-Aand UV-B radiation, fit snugly, cover the entire area between the eyebrows and middle of the cheeks, and wrap around toward the ears. Look for a label or sticker that says  full UVA and UVB protection.

Use wide brim hats, scarves and apply sunscreen to offer complete protection. Don’t stress if the child wont keep his sunglasses on.

It is important to teach your children the importance of wearing sunglasses during all seasons throughout the whole year. You should  also educate them on how to care for the eyes.