Andy Devaney
Despite parents slathering on suncream and preaching hydration like it’s gospel, a staggering number still overlook one crucial bit of summer armour: UV sunglasses for children.
According to new research by The College of Optometrists, over half of UK parents (55%) don’t ensure their children wear UV-protective sunglasses when out in the sun — even though 42% of them wouldn’t dare leave the house without their own.
Let’s put that in perspective: just 30% of children regularly wear sunglasses in bright conditions, compared to their more sun-savvy parents.
And the excuses? They’d be comical if they weren’t so common. Around 38% of parents think a simple hat or cap does the job. Another 32% say the sunglasses always get lost or broken. Fourteen percent say it’s too hard to find a pair that fit properly.
Sure, a wide-brimmed hat offers some shade, but pair it with sunglasses and UV exposure to the eyes can be slashed by up to 98%. That’s a huge difference for a small habit change — yet it’s one that’s still being ignored.
“Children are more susceptible to UV-related eye damage because their pupils are larger and their eye lenses clearer, which allows more UV radiation to reach their retina,” said Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu, clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists.
“Long-term exposure to even small amounts of UV radiation has been linked to an increased risk of developing earlier onset cataract, or macular degeneration in later life.
It’s important that parents encourage their children to wear both a hat and sunglasses in the summer months, and that they look for the CE or UKCA mark when buying sunglasses to ensure they meet British standards for UV protection.”
It’s not just about vanity or comfort. This is about vision health — and as kids clock up an average of five hours a day outdoors during the summer holidays, their risk of sun damage shoots up.
Still, only 45% of parents equip their children with proper UV sunglasses for children, despite the majority making sure they’re well-hydrated (65%) and suncreamed (61%).
The misunderstanding around the benefits of sunglasses runs deeper than we’d like to admit. Yes, they protect against glare and dust — 50% of parents knew that much. But only a third were aware that wraparound sunglasses can even help reduce hay fever symptoms. That’s right — a good pair of shades might stop your child sneezing their way through summer.
And when it comes to back-to-school planning, eye tests continue to be left off the checklist. While 52% prioritise buying new uniforms, just 40% view eye exams as essential — this, despite 70% of parents acknowledging that failing to protect eyes from UV can affect long-term vision.
Dr Bilkhu’s advice? Make eye tests a regular part of your child’s healthcare. “We advise parents to take their children for regular eye tests every two years from the age of 3-4 years old, or as advised by their optometrist. This will ensure any childhood eye and vision issues are detected and treated early to prevent any issues later in life.”
The message is simple: UV sunglasses for children aren’t a fashion statement — they’re a shield. With a little more awareness and a lot less complacency, we could be saving our children’s eyesight for years to come.
For more information on children’s eye health and how to choose the right UV sunglasses, visit www.lookafteryoureyes.org.
