These two guys are ready to spend the day hiking in the sun . .  sunscreen for the skin and sunscreen for the eyes (sunglasses).

Most parents understand the damaging effect of ultraviolet (UV) rays on their children’s skin.  But most fail to protect their children’s eyes from the same damaging effects of sunlight.  Remember the sun is as much a threat to your eyes as it is to your skin.

Sun damage in childhood is one of the most important causes of skin cancer in adults.  Plus the higher the amount of accumulated sun before the age of 18 is a contributing risk for some eye diseases

Think of the sunglasses as sunscreen – sun protection – for those young eyes.  And if you’re looking for the best in eye protection from the sun for kids or adults remember Integrated Eyecare!

Children’s sunglasses don’t have to be expensive, just as long as they provide recommended UV protection. Look for a sticker that says the sunglasses block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB.  But just because the lenses are dark or the sticker says “blocks UV” doesn’t mean they are appropriate or effective in protecting your children’s eye.

If you’re not sure whether your sunglasses have the recommended UV protection, bring them into our optical/eyewear department of Integrated Eyecare and we’ll check them out.  Or if you want the best in children’s sunglasses check out our Julbo sunglasses for infants and kids.

Parenting author Susan Heim raves about Julbo eye protection for kids in her blog:
“We’ve bought our share of cheap sunglasses from the store, and they never seem to fit right or last for long. But I recently found some children’s sunglasses that solve those problems! They’re made by Julbo, the leading manufacturer of eyewear for mountain climbers, sailors and extreme athletes, so they know the eyewear business! They have a great line of sunglasses for kids, ranging from newborns to teenagers. Their quality is so high because their children’s glasses are not just miniature versions of adult glasses. Julbo’s designers have considered the actual dimensions and structure of children’s faces to create glasses that fit comfortably and provide maximum protection from UV rays.”