Kids Sunglasses
From LoveToKnow Sunglasses
Sunglasses for kids are making a big impact in the eyewear world as more parents realize the importance of safeguarding their children outdoors.
The Importance of Sunglasses for Kids
With naturally free spirits, children are usually not concerned with their health and the risks the sun can impose. This is especially true when it comes to playing outside, as few youngsters understand UV rays and the damages the sun can cause to their skin and eyes.
It is your responsibility as the parent to understand that children's eyes are susceptible to UV damage, which can lead to everything from painful yet easily healed surface burns to irreversible cataracts. It is also important to note that children tend to spend much more time outdoors than adults, which means they demand even more protection from the sun's threats.
Fortunately, sunglasses for kids have been around for a long time, and with each passing summer season, they are getting trendier and more kid-friendly. With a continuously growing variety, your child can wear glasses ranging from her favorite cartoon characters to a scaled down version of your designer frames.
What's Popular
For younger children, sunglasses branded with popular characters such as Dora the Explorer and Mickey Mouse have always sold well. Bright colors and familiar faces on the frames help to excite kids about wearing protective coverings over their eyes, and gives parents an easier time when it comes to purchasing sunglasses.
Many optometrists can put prescription lenses into these fun frames, allowing children who wear glasses, or need more protection from the sun, the chance to still wear sunglasses they will enjoy.
For school age children and the tween set, the most popular shades are found in the form of smaller versions of top designers. The sunglass industry has hit a goldmine in discovering that children in this age group desire to look older, and oftentimes their kids frames are very similar to the adult counterparts.
Oversized, round glasses are popular choices for this age group, and just like adults, they like stylish glasses with either metal or plastic frames. In addition to replicating adult best sellers, the kids version often come with wraparounds to help the sunglasses stay on during school and play.
Sports eyewear is also very popular with the young set, continuing in the belief that children follow in the footsteps of grown ups when it comes to their fashion choices.
Lastly, clip on sunglasses for kids are popular with children who wear regular glasses throughout the day. This makes them easy to take on and off and lessens the risk of losing either pair.
What Else to Look For
Polycarbonate lenses are great in sunglasses for kids. They are made from an impact resistant material that can handle a lot of roughness, and children are famous for being tough on sunglasses. Strong and durable, they are nearly impossible to shatter. Talk to your optometrist about an even tougher version of sunglasses for sports and especially active children.
The percentage of UV protection advertised on the pair of sunglasses is also very important. With children, you should be looking for a 99 to 100 percent UVA & UVB protection. If you are unclear as to what the protection percentage is, look for a different pair that clearly indicates the UV level.
Sunglasses for kids are a great way to instill the importance of health and safety within your child. Take her with you when you are ready to buy her a pair of shades, as making her part of the process will motivate her to ask questions and feel involved. Equipping your child with the knowledge and resources she needs to protect herself from environmental damages is a gift she will take with her into adulthood.
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