Summer Safety for ChildrenSpring is upon us and summer is right around the corner, which means children spend more time outdoors - trips to the beach, outside sporting leagues and playing in the yard. Research shows that children's eyes can be damaged from sun exposure, just like their skin. This damage may put them at increased risk of developing debilitating eye diseases such as cataracts or macular degeneration as adults. It is important to make sure your chidlren are wearing 100 percent UV blocking sunglasses. Whenever you are outside with children, remember to put a hat and/or sunglasses on them just as you would yourself. Children should be taught at a young age to wear sunglasses and hats to protect their eyes from the sun, so they will grow up with healthy sun protection habits. Keep children out of the sun between peak times - 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. - when the sun's UV rays are the strongest. Here are some summertime safety suggestions for children. Make sure your kids wear sunglasses. Wear protective eyewear when playing sports. If sand gets in your child's eyes, no rubbing. This article reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart campaign. |
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