Photokeratitis? Put Sunglasses On Your Kids!

Photokeratitis is an uncommon eye condition but one you should definitely know about. It’s more commonly known as “sunburned eyes.” Summer is here, and most of us know about the importance of applying sunscreen when we are out in the summer sun. But if you don’t wear sunglasses, or more importantly, you don’t put them on your kids, the reflections of water and sand can damage the thin, delicate surface layer of your cornea, the transparent layer forming the front of your eye.

Sunglasses are an important preventative measure for little eyes. Prolonged, un-protected exposure of your child’s eyes to the sun may manifest itself in pain, watery eyes, temporary loss of vision, and sensitivity to light, swelling and redness. Watch for these symptoms in your children if they have been exposed to the sun without sunglasses.

In all areas of your health, knowledge is power. Knowing the damage sun can do means making every effort to protect you and your child’s vision with the right kind of sunglasses – ones that are certified to block at least 98% percent of UVA and UVB rays.

You may not know that the ambient light which hits the back of your sunglass lens and reflects into your eye can also be a problem. In order to give your eyes the best possible protection, choose a wrap-around style that fits closely to your face. Polarized lenses don’t protect your eyes from the sun’s rays, but they do reduce glare – giving you clearer vision.

As with sunscreen, sunglasses should be worn even on cloudy days. This will help prevent photokeratitis and decrease the risk of cataracts related to cumulative sun exposure.

Protecting the young, fragile eyes of your children is crucial. Children spend more time outside than adults, which exposes them longer to those harmful UV rays. Make it a point to pack their sunglasses when you pack their sunscreen.

At the Eye & Lasik center, we can help ensure you have the correct UV sunglass coverage for your entire family. Call to request a consultation, today: (800) 676-5050.