Most parents know to pack sunscreen before heading outdoors, but what about sunglasses for your child? While skin protection is essential, many families overlook one of the most sensitive – and vulnerable – parts of a child’s body: their eyes.
As pediatric providers in North Atlanta, we want to help families understand how ultraviolet (UV) rays affect children’s eyes, when to start using sunglasses, how to pick the right pair, and why this matters even more as global UV levels increase with climate change.
What Are UV Rays and Why Are They Harmful?
The sun emits three types of ultraviolet radiation:
- UVA rays can penetrate deep into eye tissues and contribute to retinal damage over time.
- UVB rays are more intense and can cause immediate eye injury like photokeratitis (a sunburn on the eye) and longer-term risks like cataracts and growths on the surface of the eye.
- UVC rays are largely absorbed by the atmosphere, but concerns are rising as the ozone layer continues to thin.
Just like skin, your child’s eyes can be damaged by sun exposure – and that damage accumulates over time.
Why Children’s Eyes Are Especially at Risk
Children’s developing eyes are more transparent than adults’, which allows more UV rays to reach the retina. In fact:
- Up to 70% more UV light reaches a child’s retina compared to an adult.
- Up to 80% of lifetime UV exposure happens before the age of 18.
- Cumulative exposure increases risk of early cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis, and pterygium.
Unlike adults, children also tend to spend more time outside – playing sports, swimming, or just enjoying the backyard – all of which increase their UV exposure.
When Should Kids Start Wearing Sunglasses?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that children begin wearing UV-protective sunglasses as early as 6 months of age.
Whether it’s a walk in the stroller or a day at the park, babies and toddlers benefit from early exposure to healthy eye protection habits.
What to Look for in Children’s Sunglasses
Not all sunglasses are created equal. For your child’s eyes, you want to choose quality over style – though luckily, many brands now offer both.
Look for:
- Lenses labeled 100% UVA/UVB protection or “UV400”
- Impact-resistant lenses, such as polycarbonate (especially important for active kids)
- Wraparound styles or large lenses for full coverage
- Comfortable, adjustable fit to help them stay on
- Strap or flexible arms for babies and toddlers
Sunglasses should be worn anytime your child is outside – even on cloudy days or in the winter. UV rays penetrate through clouds and can reflect off surfaces like water, sand, pavement, and even snow.
Busting Myths About Kids and Sunglasses
Myth: My child doesn’t need sunglasses because they aren’t in direct sunlight.
Truth: UV rays are still present in shaded areas, and children receive the most exposure during normal outdoor play – even without direct sun.
Myth: Sunglasses are only needed in the summer.
Truth: UV exposure occurs year-round. In Georgia, the UV index is often high from spring through late fall.
Myth: Expensive sunglasses are better.
Truth: Price doesn’t equal protection. As long as sunglasses are labeled “100% UVA/UVB protection,” even inexpensive options are effective.
Myth: Dark lenses mean better protection.
Truth: Tint alone doesn’t protect from UV. Some dark lenses actually let in more UV if not properly treated.
UV Exposure Is Getting Worse: What Parents Need to Know
Due to ozone layer depletion and climate shifts, UV radiation levels are rising globally – including here in North Georgia. The Environmental Protection Agency frequently records UV index levels of 8 to 10+ during the summer months in the Southeast, placing kids at “very high to extreme” risk for eye and skin damage.
According to NASA, UVB radiation levels have increased by 6–10% in the last 30 years, and these levels are expected to continue rising.
As a result, pediatricians and ophthalmologists alike are encouraging more robust year-round protection – especially for families in sun-heavy regions like ours.
How to Keep Your Child’s Eyes Safe
Here are easy ways to protect your child’s vision:
- Invest in proper sunglasses early—the earlier you start, the better the long-term benefit.
- Encourage hats with brims for added eye shade, especially at sports games and playgrounds.
- Keep sunglasses handy in the car, diaper bag, or backpack.
- Be a role model – if you wear your sunglasses consistently, your child is more likely to do the same.
- Schedule regular pediatric well checks, and ask your provider if a referral to a pediatric ophthalmologist or optometrist is needed based on family history or symptoms.
Why Sunglasses Should Be Part of Every Child’s Wellness Routine
Good habits start young. Teaching your child to wear sunglasses just like they wear a seatbelt or apply sunscreen helps set them up for a lifetime of healthy vision. With increasing UV levels, preventive steps taken now could mean avoiding serious eye conditions in the future.
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Serving families in Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and surrounding North Atlanta communities.
If needing a consultation with one of our five Board-Certified Pediatricians, please contact our office at 404-252-4611 or submit an appointment request via our ‘Contact Us’ form on our homepage.