Eye and Vision Care

Sun Glasses for Children

08/02/2001 02:39PM

Question:

I am a mother of a 2 year girl. Lately, I have been seeing small children wearing sun glasses. Is this a fashion statement or is there some health benefit to wearing them? I know that adults should wear sun glasses to prevent cataracts. I`m not sure my daughter would keep them on. Would wearing a hat protect her eyes just as well? Thank you.

Answer:

If children wear sunglasses, it`s a fashion statement and not a medical treatment. I think it is difficult to get children to wear any kind of glasses they don`t really need for clear vision; so I prefer a hat with a large brim on it to keep the sun out of their eyes and off their ears.

For more information:

Go to the Eye and Vision Care health topic, where you can:

Read articles on this topic
Browse the previously asked questions
Ask your own question.

Response by:

Robert D. Newcomb, OD, MPH, FAAO
Professor of Clinical Optometry
College of Optometry
The Ohio State University