Pick up some cheap sunglasses for you and the kids

September 25, 2009

Remember the sunscreen but forget the shades? It might be second nature for parents to apply sun block to their kids before hitting the beach, but eye care is just as important to children's overall health.

According to the American Optometric Association, "children should be encouraged to wear sunglasses beginning in infancy whenever they are out in the sun," though a recent study conducted by the UK College of Optometrists found that 75 percent of parents are exposing their children to the sun without appropriate eye protection.

Venturing outside without proper UV protection poses a risk to adult eyes as well. The American Optometric Association recommends that consumers purchase sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation, screen out 75 percent to 90 percent of visible light, and are gray for proper color recognition.

With hot designers like Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, and Ray Ban all offering UV protected eyeglasses and sunglasses, there's no reason not to snatch a pair up. But don't think you have to spend a lot of money to ensure you're protecting your peepers - cheap glasses can work just as well. "Sunglasses don't need to be expensive to offer good protection," said Dr Susan Blakeney, from the College of Optometrists.