Children’s eyes need extra UV protection, experts warn

Children’s eyes are particularly vulnerable to sun damage, yet many parents remain unaware of the risks, Swedish public broadcaster SVT reports.

Optician Håkan Broman notes a common sight: parents wearing sunglasses while their children go without. “It doesn’t feel right,” he said.

Sunglasses shield against glare and harmful light that can, over time, contribute to eye diseases such as cataracts, according to pediatric ophthalmologist Stefan Löfgren of St. Erik’s Eye Hospital in Stockholm.

“These are not typically childhood conditions, but they develop over a long period. UV exposure is the biggest risk factor,” Löfgren said.

He emphasizes that young children’s eyes require protection from an early age, as they have larger pupils than adults, allowing more light to enter. “There is strong reason to believe children’s eyes are even more sensitive to UV radiation,” he added.

Parents should also consider that some environments demand greater protection. “On light sand and water, reflection from the ground can be far more intense than from the sky,” Löfgren said.