Sun-sational Sunglasses for Kids in Louisville, KY
How to pick the best pair of children’s sunglasses
Most parents are well aware of the need to slather sunscreen on their kids before they head outdoors. But did you ever think about their eyes? You probably take care not to get the sun lotion in your child’s eyes, but do you ever think about how to protect their peepers from sun damage?
Like adults, kids need eye protection from hazardous UV rays. If your child wears prescription glasses, then you will need to purchase prescription sunglasses. Keep in mind that kids’ vision changes, and the changes can be constant. Before you invest in a new pair of children’s sunglasses from our LaGrange collection, make sure you’re using an up-to-date prescription. The best way to do that is to book a pediatric eye exam before purchasing the glasses! Our friendly eye doctor performs kids’ eye exams regularly, call for an appointment.
When does my child need to start wearing sunglasses?
The sun’s UV rays can penetrate deeply into eye tissues, which can contribute to the development of eye disease in your child’s future. In general, kids spend a lot of time outdoors, and you want to do all that you can to keep their eyes healthy as they grow up. Because the effects of UV rays are cumulative, it’s important to start wearing sunglasses from a young age. That’s why eye care specialists recommend that you buy your kid’s first pair of shades between age 2 – 3. (Any younger than that and your child will never keep them on!)
What should I look for when choosing sunglasses for kids?
We have a diverse array of children’s sunglasses in our LaGrange, Kentucky optical store, and our staff will be pleased to help you select a pair that looks fantastic and will withstand up to your child’s active lifestyle.
The following criteria are important for choosing sunglasses:
- UV protection: sunglasses lenses should block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays
- Wide styles = broader protection: the more skin that’s covered by sunglasses, the better; wraparound designs can be a great choice
- Play-proof lenses: Kids run, fall, and crash into each other all the time. They need sunglasses that hold up to the roughest and toughest activities. Lenses should be impact-resistant and scratch-proof, like polycarbonate lenses.
- A comfortable fit: frames need to be flexible and unbreakable; spring hinges that extend beyond 90 degrees are recommended. The frames should fit close to the face, snug but not tight.
- The right look: let your child (especially older kids and teens) select his or her own sunglasses. Style matters, even at a young age. When kids don’t like the way their sun eyewear looks, they won’t wear it.
How can I convince my child to wear sunglasses?
Your kids will do as you do, before they do as you say. If parents and older family members are particular about wearing sunglasses, younger children will usually copy this behavior. Again, letting your children choose their own shades goes far towards keeping the glasses on their face. With young active kids, you may want to attach specialized elastic bands to keep sunglasses in place during sports and on the playground.
