Maybe they’re outside a lot, maybe their friends have some cool shades or maybe they just want to be like the adults in their lives! Whatever the reason, it is advisable for your children to own a pair of sunglasses. But how do you know what to look for? Read on for some handy tips!
When searching for sunglasses for kids, it’s important to ensure that they provide adequate UV protection, are comfortable and stylish to wear, and are durable to withstand the inevitable drops that comes from active play! It is a great idea to involve your child in the selection process as this may make them more likely to wear and enjoy their sunglasses.
- UV protection - children are more susceptible to UV damage to their eyes than adults because the lens inside their eyes cannot filter out as much of the harmful rays. Look for sunglasses that offer 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays.
- Polarisation - this will help to reduce glare and enhance visual clarity, especially in situations where there are wet or shiny surfaces, like at the beach.
- Durability - we all know children are tough on their belongings, so getting sunglasses with spring hinges or silicone arms will allow for a bit of extra flexibility. Polycarbonate lenses are more scratch and impact resistant which makes them ideal for withstanding bumps and drops.
- Fit - it is vital that sunglasses fit your child properly to ensure they are comfortable as well as effective. It is no good if the sunglasses are too big and always slipping off or not large enough to provide adequate protection. Because children have smaller heads than adults, they need sunglasses with shorter temples and more narrow lenses and nose bridges. Features such as spring hinges allow a tighter fit without making the sunnies uncomfortable.
- Comfort - to help your child leave their sunglasses on for long periods, they need to be comfortable. Lightweight frames and lenses will help, so look out for silicone arms and polycarbonate lenses. Sometimes the adjustable nose pieces can be irritating for kids, so finding frames that don’t have these is advisable.
- Style - letting your child choose sunglasses in a colour, shape or design that they like, will make them more enthusiastic about wearing them. If they have a favourite pair, consider purchasing a couple, maybe even the same design but in a different colour, then they can have one with their bathers and one with their bike!
- Ease of cleaning - because younger children are more likely to touch the lenses frequently, sunglasses that come with a cleaning cloth are fantastic as you can easily carry that in the case and clean them on the go!
- Inspect & replace - it is important to check your sunglasses regularly to ensure they are always providing maximum protection and comfort.
By considering these few basic tips you will guarantee that your child’s eyes are well protected with something that suits their preferences and lifestyle. This will establish a good baseline for wearing sunglasses throughout their lifetime.