What parents need to know about kids’ eye safety this summer

When looking for sunglasses to protect kids from the harsh UV rays during summer, parents should consider the following advice:

• The most important step is making sure you choose a pair with 100% UV protection. You can ensure they have high enough protection by checking the swing tag to make sure they meet the Australian Standard for eye protection in category two or higher
• Avoid novelty or toy sunglasses with coloured lenses as they don’t provide enough protection
• Choose close-fitting, wrap-around style sunglasses that cover as much of the eye as possible and won’t fall off during play time.

Former school teacher David Whetton found himself face to face with the harmful risks of inadequate UV ray protection when his son presented to the optometrist with symptoms of a blocked tear duct. The optometrist revealed David’s son had pinguecula, an early sign of UV damage.

David was told to ensure that his son wore sunglasses whenever he was outdoors as well as regularly visit the optometrist so that the pinguecula didn’t turn into a more serious condition known as pterygium - a fleshy tissue that grows in a triangular shape over the cornea.

The experience inspired David (now nicknamed 'the sunglasses guy') to start School Shades, a company supplying sunglasses to schools and preschools to make looking after students’ eye health easier.

Supporting David’s commitment to UV protection for eyes, Optometry Australia’s Sophie Koh says, “UV damage from the sun begins in childhood but in most cases, you won’t be able to see the impact of UV until later in life, so it’s essential kids develop the healthy habit of wearing sunglasses when they leave the house.”