What an optometrist wants you to know about snow, sun and your child's eyes

Think sunglasses aren't important? Think again

Boy on a skiing holiday wearing goggles
Janet KimberGetty Images

If I was allowed just one wish as an optometrist - what would it be? How I wish families who love to flock to the slopes would properly protect their children's eyes. Oh and they'd follow suit whenever we have a sunny day.

Why? The World Health Organisation estimates that 80% of exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation occurs before the age of 18.

So often parents wear sunglasses and don't even consider that their child screwing up their eyes in bright sunlight is an issue. I've even spoken to parents who think their kids' eyes should 'get used to' strong sunlight!

What age should children wear goggles/sunglasses?

Parents should introduce sunglasses to children as early as they can. Sunglasses for babies are available from birth, and often come with adjustable straps, enabling them to be suitable for toddlers too.

The pupil, (the black hole in the middle of our eyes) allows light to enter the eye. The pupil is at its largest in babies and children; allowing more light; and with it; harmful UV radiation into the eye.

Sun, snow and winter glare

In perfect ski conditions, clear skies and deep powder cause UV radiation to reflect on the snow, magnifying its potency. While we long for bright sunny days (to lift our spirits) UV radiation is at its most intense under clear cloudless skies.

In addition, high altitude itself on the ski slopes increases UV exposure. The WHO approximate that UV levels increase by 8% with every 1000 altitude.

What UV does to the eye

UV radiation from the sun can be split into three categories. Whilst UVC rays are absorbed by the protective function of the ozone layer, UVA and UVB rays penetrate the earth's atmosphere and expose our skin and eyes to harmful radiation.

Light coloured eyes have less pigment in the iris or coloured part of our eyes, which absorbs this harmful UVA and UVB radiation, making those with blue eyes more vulnerable and at the highest risk of sun damage.

Damage from UV radiation can affect different layers within the eye. The front of the eye, the cornea (often called the 'window' to the eye) is the layer which protects our eyes from UVB radiation. Over-exposure to UVB radiation results in damage to the antioxidant protective mechanism of the cornea.

The lens inside the eye that does the focussing work for the eye, (just like the lens inside a camera) again protects the eye from UVA and UVB radiation.

JPMGetty Images

However, as the cornea only absorb the UVB, the lens is exposed to three times more UVA radiation. Too much UV radiation results in the early development and formation of cataracts; or a clouding of the lens.

The cornea and the lens largely protect the back of the eye, the retina, (or the film of the camera in our camera analogy) from UV radiation.

Early years UV damage and AMD

Research is ongoing to observe the effects of UV radiation on the development of long-term degenerative, and sight-threatening eye conditions affecting the back of the eye, such as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

With such high exposure to UV radiation occurring to the eye before the age of 18 it is vital to prevent life-long damage due to UV radiation.

Please parents – lead the way!

Some children LOVE wearing sunglasses and others lose them at the first opportunity. Parents talk to me about the challenges but I advise them that repeated conditioning, explanation and persistent efforts from parents do prove children will keep both their glasses; and indeed sunglasses on.

As with all effective parenting techniques, parents can set a fine example by wearing sunglasses themselves. That said, adults very often do not wear effective sun protection. The College of Optometrists report that 80% of under 25 year olds focus on fashion when it comes to sunglasses; and one in ten don't wear sunglasses at all.

Good protection = £ not ££££

Sunglasses that provide good protection from the harmful UV do not have to be expensive. Good quality, dark sunglasses offer a safe level of sun protection. Look for the "CE" mark and you can be assured they block harmful UVA and UVB radiation. The Baby Banz are a personal favourite for babies and toddlers as they have a comfortable elastic support to go around the back of the young child's head to ensure they stay on.

Ask for glasses with UV protection

Children and adults who need glasses can incorporate UV protection into their spectacle prescription glasses. Patients can also have a choice of tint colour they want in prescription sunglasses which can also be made up to any prescription for distance, reading, bifocal or varifocal glasses.

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