Newswise — Summer vacation for school-age children means outdoor play and long hours at the beach. The increased exposure to ultraviolet rays means an increased risk to children's eyes, according to experts at The Vision Center at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
New research shows that children's eyes can be damaged from sun exposure, just like their skin. This damage may put them at increased risk of developing debilitating diseases such as cataracts or macular degeneration as adults.
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.
The experts at The Vision Center (www.thevisioncenteratchla.org) have the following safety suggestions.
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.
Sunglasses for children may be purchased inexpensively at many retail and online outlets but make sure the sunglasses you purchase are rated to block both UVA and UVB radiation. All sunglasses block UVB, but some do not block UVA rays. Look for glasses with a polycarbonate lens; children under six may need a pair with Velcro straps to keep them in place.
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 algae and other bacteria to grow, which can lead to eye infections. Also, you should check the pH level in the pool (test strips are available at drug stores) to avoid stinging and redness in the eyes. One solution is to have children wear a pair of goggles that will keep pool water from entering the eye. After swimming in a pool, have your child shower. If redness and irritation persist after swimming, it could be a sign of a more serious infection and should be seen by a physician.
The Vision Center at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles has the largest pediatric ophthalmology program in the nation and is an international referral center for children with eye disease. For more information, www.thevisioncenteratchla.org.
Note: a jpeg of a young girl wearing a hat and sunglasses is available at the The Vision Center website, www.TheVisionCenterAtCHLA.org
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