New page on sun protection for the eyes
Did you know that sunlight can be harmful to children’s eyes? Orthoptics students, commissioned by the Eye Fund, developed a webpage about sun protection. It features reliable information and practical tips for parents.
Children’s eyes are especially sensitive to sunlight. Yet eye protection is often overlooked. UV radiation can cause damage to the eyes even at a young age, with consequences that sometimes don’t become apparent until later in life. With the right protection, you can prevent a lot of problems.
Why are children’s eyes more vulnerable?
Children’s eye lenses are clearer and contain less protective pigment than those of adults. In addition, children’s pupils are relatively larger. As a result, more harmful UV radiation can penetrate the eye and reach the retina. This makes children’s eyes especially sensitive to sunlight, even during brief exposure.
Scientific research shows that exposure to strong UV radiation can lead to:
- Acute symptoms, such as snow blindness (painful damage to the cornea);
- Long-term damage, including an increased risk of cataracts at a younger age.
Visit the Oogfonds website for more information on this topic.