The sun safety step parents are skipping – and it could affect your child’s health
Are you forgetting this key bit of sun protection? Experts say it’s just as important as SPF and a sunhat
When the sun’s out, most of us are diligent about slathering on the suncream and popping on a hat – but according to experts, there’s one vital step many parents are still skipping, and it could be putting our children’s long-term health at risk.
The College of Optometrists is urging parents not to overlook UV protection for children’s eyes this summer, revealing new data that shows many families are unaware of how vulnerable children’s eyes are to sun damage.
Why experts are worried about children’s eye health this summer
New research from The College of Optometrists shows that nearly 2 in 5 parents (38%) believe a sunhat is enough protection for their child’s eyes – and don’t think sunglasses are necessary. But experts say combining a hat with sunglasses can reduce UV exposure to the eyes by up to 98%.
“Sunglasses aren’t just a summer fashion accessory,” says Paramdeep Bilkhu, Clinical Adviser at The College of Optometrists. “They play an essential role in protecting eyes from harmful UV rays. Parents often remember to apply suncream and put a hat on their child, but they may not realise that UV rays can still reach the eyes and cause damage over time.”
How can sunglasses protect your child?
There’s more to sunglasses than just shade from the glare. The study found:
50% of parents recognised sunglasses can help prevent headaches caused by squinting in bright light
Another 50% said they’re useful for protecting eyes from dust and debris
But only 33% knew that sunglasses can help ease hayfever symptoms – acting as a physical barrier to pollen getting into the eyes
“It’s not just about comfort,” adds Paramdeep. “The sun’s UV rays can contribute to long-term eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. It’s important we protect our children’s eyes from an early age.”
“I hadn’t realised how serious it could be”
Mum-of-two Rachel, 36, says sunglasses weren’t originally on her summer checklist. “I always made sure the kids had hats and factor 50, but I didn’t buy them sunglasses until I saw my daughter squinting constantly last summer,” she says. “I honestly thought they were just a fashion thing. Now I always keep a pair in my bag.”
Are you buying the right sunglasses?
Not all kids’ sunglasses are created equal. Paramdeep advises looking for:
The CE mark – this means the sunglasses meet European safety standards
UV400 label – these lenses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays
A good fit – the sunglasses should sit close to the face and not slip off easily
You don’t have to spend a fortune, but avoid novelty or toy sunglasses that may not offer proper protection.
Eye tests: the other summer health check to book in
As we approach the end of the school summer holidays, 52% of parents prioritise school uniform shopping – but only 40% list eye tests as a key back-to-school task, the research found.
“Children should have their eyes tested every two years from the age of 3 to 4,” says Paramdeep. “It’s a free service on the NHS, and it helps catch any vision problems early, which can make a big difference to their learning and development.”
How you can protect your child this summer
If your child has a sunhat and suncream packed this summer, that’s great – but make sure UV-blocking sunglasses are also part of the routine. They're not just a nice-to-have; they’re a genuine health essential.
And if you’ve not had their eyes tested in a while? Pop it on your to-do list – it’s one of the easiest ways to protect their future sight.