Spring is finally here with summer not far behind. We’re getting new sunglass styles in and boning up on our knowledge of sun lenses and photochromics because we need to confidently convey the importance of sun protection to our patients. But are we overlooking something?
More than 25 percent of the U.S. population belongs to Gen Z (kids). But according to The Vision Council, only 5 percent of American adults report their children “always” wear sunglasses, and nearly 30 percent report they don’t use anything to protect their children’s eyes from UV radiation. With larger pupils and clear crystalline lenses, more UV radiation reaches a child’s retina than an adult’s. For children age 10 and younger, 75 percent of UV radiation reaches the retina, but that figure drops to 10 percent by age 25. The Vision Council further notes that because UV is reflected from surfaces, wearing hats and staying in the shade doesn’t mean children are protected. Water reflects up to 100 percent of UV radiation; dry sand and concrete, up to 25 percent; and even grass reflects up to 3 percent. Remember that reflected UV is equally as harmful as direct UV. Even children’s short stature works against them to increase UV exposure—they have to look up, and therefore into the sun, more often than adults.
Parents will have the proper car seats and protective sports equipment for their children, but may resist purchasing sunglasses because they’re afraid the glasses will be lost, or the inconvenience of keeping track of two pairs, or they don’t want the extra expense. There’s good news, though. A Jobson survey reported that among children who wore prescription sunglasses, 72 percent of those were photochromics. Photochromics offer full UV protection, a choice of colors, the convenience of multipurpose glasses, and when they’re an upgrade to a regular pair, cost less than two separate pairs.
While you’re beefing up your adult sunwear lines, there are some great plano sunglass styles for kids, many that are smaller versions of adult styles. Why not have both displayed together? For the more independent child, frames in bold colors and designs can match their personal style, not to mention that sunglasses are considered to be “cool.” Encourage parents to be “UV protection role models” by wearing sunglasses themselves. Now there’s an opportunity!
Learn more about eyewear and sunwear for kids in our “Focus on Kids’ Eyewear” CE course at 2020mag.com/ce.
• Linda Conlin
[email protected]
2020mag.com/education
