Optical Prism July 2017 | Page 30

By Denis Langlois Vision and health experts say it is especially important for children to protect their eyes from the rays of the sun. According to the World Health Organization, kids are at a higher risk than adults of suffering damage from exposure to ultraviolet radiation. There are several reasons why. First, children are more exposed to the sun. The organization says up to 80 per cent of a person’s lifetime exposure to UV is received before the age of 18. That exposure can lead to serious problems down the road, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, according to The Vision Council, since UV damage is cumulative. Second, the lens of a child’s eye cannot filter out UV rays as easily as the mature ocular lens of an adult eye, which allows more UV light to reach the retina, The Vision Council says. Health Canada says properly chosen sunglasses will protect the eyes against damage from UV rays, bright light and blue light. Here are some cool shades for kids that are on the market today: 28 Optical Prism | July 2017