Summer has returned to Auckland over the past two days, and it is hot and bright out there. Nix and I head out every morning to squeeze as much fresh air and play time in as we can before nap time rolls around. I’m always super vigilant about ensuring sunscreen and hats are in play but after purchasing a pair of baby sunglasses that didn’t fit well and hurt Nixon’s head, I’d relegated toddler sunglasses to the ‘ too hard’ basket.
The problem is that it’s not really something we as parents can afford to ignore. The ridiculous levels of UV radiation in New Zealand can cause cumulative and irreparable eye damage, particularly between the ages of three and twelve years. What we can do to minimise ongoing damage is be proactive and introduce our kids to sunglasses at an early age to encourage habit-forming behaviour.
OPSM Senior Optometrist, Peter Murphy recommends these five tips to help prevent damage to little eyes this summer;
- Make sure sunglasses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays
- Choose sunglasses that fit your child’s face well
- Look out for sunglasses that are large enough to shield the eyes from most angles
- Add a wide-brimmed hat to help reduce the amount of UV radiation that reaches their eyes and skin
- Don’t be fooled by a cloudy day; the sun’s rays can pass through haze and clouds so stay protected.
OPSM sent Nixon a couple of pairs of sunglasses from the Ray-Ban Junior range and omg, they are SO cute…… and effective, let’s not forget those super UV blocking powers! I was so surprised at his enthusiasm to not just put them on but keep them on! Let’s not forget that if there’s one thing toddlers are good at, it’s mimicry and I am a sunglass fiend, I never leave the house without them so I guess it’s only natural that he would be down to sport his own pair. How amaze are these shades!
Ray-ban Junior are available nationwide at OPSM from $90
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