Eye Care for Children 

With the arrival of the hot summer weather, parents in the UAE are being advised to be cautious and to protect their children’s eyes when outdoors in the strong summer sunlight. Leading eye experts from Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai are advising that the risk to our eyes from UV (ultraviolet) light is especially high during the summer months and, without protection, exposure may be harmful..

According to the Eyecare Trust of the UK, the human eye is ten times more sensitive to UV light than skin and children's eyes are at the greatest risk of UV damage. Big pupils and clearer lenses mean up to 70 per cent more UV light reaches the retina than in an adult's eye.

The World health Organisation states that children are now more exposed to the sun and adds that estimates suggest that up to 80 per cent of a person's lifetime exposure to UV is received before the age of 18. And the risk is difficult to escape; According to the WHO, particular attention should be paid in the mountains, as UV levels increase by approximately 8 per cent with every 1000 meters altitude. Although UV radiation is most intense under cloudless skies it may be high even on an overcast day. Many surfaces such as sand and water reflect the sun's rays and add to the overall UV exposure.

Dr Chris Canning, Medical Director at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, adds: “UV exposure is a risk to the developing eyes of children, especially. Without protection, there is increasing evidence that UV exposure is associated with eye problems much later in life, such as age related macular degeneration (the most common cause of poor eyesight in the western world and can lead to blindness) and cataracts (which blur the vision). Exposing the skin to UV rays can also lead to other serious health problems in later life. 

“Damage that occurs through exposure to UV is not reversible, so while there is a credible risk that UV might damage eyes it is wise to take precautions and protect children when they are exposed to direct sunlight. Simple protection measures such as a brimmed hat or cap and good quality sunglasses that protect against UVA and UVB rays, and a sunshade for prams and pushchairs, are simple and effective.”
 

The Eyecare Trust's Top Tips For Kids' Eye Protection

1. Wear sunglasses that carry the European or British Standard marks (or equivalent)
2. For maximum protection wear a cap or brimmed hat in addition to your sunglasses.
3. Stay out of the midday sun.
4. Choose plastic or toughened glass lenses for added durability.
5. Ensure the sunglasses fit well and feel comfortable - your optician can advise on styles and sizes to ensure maximum protection and fit. Foam frames can be a good option for very young children.
6. Check out the range of funky colours and sunglass designs available for children.