As the weather continues to warm, our kids are spending more and more time outside. While we are more aware about protecting our skin from the sun, most of us tend to overlook the importance of protecting our eyes as well.
The Vision Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles issued three things to be aware of as we head into the summer months:
1. Make sure your kids wear sunglasses -- especially younger children. Almost half the entire time we spend outdoors in our lives occurs before 12-years of age. All sunglasses block UVB, but some do not block UVA rays. According to Dr. Mark Borchert, a pediatric ophthalmologist and the director of The Vision Center, the lens of a child allows 70% more UV rays to reach the delicate retina than in an adult. Most parents are aware of the critical need to protect their children's skin from UV exposure, yet few insist their children wear sunglasses.
"If it is bright enough outdoors for you to be wearing sunglasses, your child should also be wearing them," he said.
1. Make sure your kids wear sunglasses -- especially younger children. Almost half the entire time we spend outdoors in our lives occurs before 12-years of age. All sunglasses block UVB, but some do not block UVA rays. According to Dr. Mark Borchert, a pediatric ophthalmologist and the director of The Vision Center, the lens of a child allows 70% more UV rays to reach the delicate retina than in an adult. Most parents are aware of the critical need to protect their children's skin from UV exposure, yet few insist their children wear sunglasses.
"If it is bright enough outdoors for you to be wearing sunglasses, your child should also be wearing them," he said.
(K2K carries a great selection of sunglasses for babies, kids, and even Moms starting at just $4.99. We also have a nice selection of sun protective hats starting at $1.99).
2. If sand gets in your child's eyes, don't let him rub it. If a child gets sand blown or thrown into his eyes, an adult should immediately take him to a sink with running water. Do not allow him to rub his eyes; this can cause damage to the cornea (outer layer of the eye). Pour water over the eyes to remove sand particles. Encourage blinking and do not discourage crying, since tears remove eye irritants. If these steps don't work, seek medical attention.
3. Check the chlorine level in your pool. If a swimming pool has too little chlorine, it can allow bacteria to grow, which can lead to eye infections. On the flip side, if a pool has too much chlorine, it can react with the water in the eye causing a mild acid-burn which is the source of the stinging and redness. Another option is to have children wear a pair of goggles that will keep pool water from entering the eye.
2. If sand gets in your child's eyes, don't let him rub it. If a child gets sand blown or thrown into his eyes, an adult should immediately take him to a sink with running water. Do not allow him to rub his eyes; this can cause damage to the cornea (outer layer of the eye). Pour water over the eyes to remove sand particles. Encourage blinking and do not discourage crying, since tears remove eye irritants. If these steps don't work, seek medical attention.
3. Check the chlorine level in your pool. If a swimming pool has too little chlorine, it can allow bacteria to grow, which can lead to eye infections. On the flip side, if a pool has too much chlorine, it can react with the water in the eye causing a mild acid-burn which is the source of the stinging and redness. Another option is to have children wear a pair of goggles that will keep pool water from entering the eye.
Have a fun and safe summer!
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