Parents carefully choose sunscreens, swimwear, and head coverings, yet they often forget about protecting children’s sensitive eyes. The eyes of the very youngest are several times more sensitive to UV radiation than those of adults. Statistics show that up to eighty percent of the UV exposure the eyes absorb over a lifetime is acquired in childhood. We should therefore pay the same attention to our children’s eye health as to their skin.
The latest research shows that long-term exposure of children’s eyes to the sun without protection can negatively affect vision later in life. This can result not only in acute problems such as inflammation of the cornea or conjunctiva, but also long-term issues like cataracts or retinal degeneration. From an eye-protection standpoint, it is therefore important to equip your child with high-quality, safe sunglasses.
Why do kids need sunglasses in the first place?
Young children’s eyes are significantly more sensitive and therefore require greater protection than adult eyes. Children have larger pupils and clearer lenses, which allow more UV rays to pass through and can lead to greater damage. UV-related eye damage is cumulative—it builds up during childhood and adolescence and may not manifest until later in life.
Acute problems caused by UV exposure include, for example, sunburn of the cornea, known as photokeratitis, which causes pain, eye redness, and tearing. Chronic exposure to UV without protection can lead to long-term damage, such as premature aging of the eyes, development of cataracts, retinal degeneration, or damage to the macula.
So it’s not just about the child’s comfort but also a long-term preventive measure. Experts recommend starting with sunglasses from 6 months of age. The earlier you teach your child to wear them, the more readily they will accept them as a normal part of everyday life.
What sunglasses materials are suitable?
Choosing the right material is the first step to ensuring your child enjoys wearing their glasses. The most common materials used for children’s frames are plastic, polycarbonate, and flexible materials such as silicone or rubber.
Plastic frames are the lightest and often also the most affordable. If made from quality plastic, they are very resistant to everyday wear. However, be wary of brittleness on impact—quality-brand plastic frames are always better than cheap plastic imitations.
Polycarbonate is among the most durable materials on the market. These glasses are nearly unbreakable, handle drops and impacts very well, and are ideal for very active children. Polycarbonate is also lightweight and comfortable, which is key for frequent wear.
Rubber or silicone frames offer maximum flexibility and comfort, especially for the youngest children and toddlers. The material conforms to the shape of the child’s head and remains comfortable even during longer wear.
As for lenses, polycarbonate is safe, lightweight, scratch-resistant, and nearly unbreakable. When it comes to lenses, always choose those labeled "UV400", which provide 100% blocking of UVA and UVB rays.
UV filters and protection categories
Sunglasses suitable for young children must always provide 100% protection against harmful UV radiation. The "UV400" label is essential, meaning the glasses block all rays up to a wavelength of 400 nanometers (including harmful UVA and UVB radiation).
In addition to the UV filter, pay attention to the light-transmission category, indicated by numbers from 0 to 4. For everyday outdoor activities, most experts recommend category 3 sunglasses for children for everyday outdoor activities, which block 82 to 92% of visible light and are versatile.
We recommend not buying glasses without a UV filter label, as they can do more harm than good. Dark-tinted glasses without UV protection dilate the pupils, allowing more UV rays to enter the eye.
How to choose the right size and shape of kids’ sunglasses?
Glasses that are too large often slide down on small children, which is uncomfortable. Glasses that are too tight, on the other hand, pinch and the child refuses to wear them. Always choose kids’ glasses that sit well on the nose and ears and don’t slip down or to the sides. The glasses should cover the entire eye area and protect vision from all angles, including the top, which is often exposed to sunlight. A rounded shape or a wrap-around design, where the frame curves slightly around the face, is ideal.
When trying them on, pay attention to whether the glasses don’t press on the nose, behind the ears, or at the temples. Also try a practical test—have the child tilt their head forward and backward. If the glasses stay comfortably in place without slipping, you’ve found the right size.
How to encourage your child to enjoy wearing sunglasses?
Children’s resistance to wearing sunglasses is very common, as they initially perceive glasses as a foreign object that restricts them during movement and play. Start with positive motivation. When your child gets their first pair, create a pleasant atmosphere around it. Present the glasses as something special and interesting—for example, as part of a famous athlete’s gear, a favorite animated character’s accessory, or a magical item with a fairy-tale backstory.
Another effective trick is to lead by example. A child loves to imitate their parents and older siblings. If you visibly and consistently use your own sunglasses, your child will want theirs too.
The main criteria when buying sunglasses should be certified UV protection, the right size, and comfort. Don’t wait for the first intense sunshine—equip your children with quality eye protection now.