Sunglasses for kids might seem like just another fun accessory to add style to their outfits - a finishing touch that matches perfectly with their favorite shirt or dress. The truth is, selecting the right sunglasses is a much more critical decision than simply picking out a pair of socks or a new T-shirt. While sunglasses do make your children look adorable, the primary role of sunglasses goes much deeper - they are a shield, safeguarding one of the most sensitive and vulnerable parts of the body: their eyes.

High-quality children's sunglasses must meet strict standards to protect their eyes against UV rays effectively. These aren't ordinary accessories but essential guards against invisible hazards that can cause irreversible damage to young, developing eyes. Just as you wouldn't compromise on a car seat, choosing the right sunglasses requires careful consideration of their protective features.

Think of it this way: each time you slip a pair of well-chosen sunglasses onto your child's face, you're doing more than protecting them from immediate discomfort but also battling against the invisible ultraviolet villains that threaten long-term eyesight. Choosing a pair of sunglasses is all about making an informed, careful choice to protect your child's vision, much like you would with any other health and safety aspect. 

UV Rays’ Effects On Children’s Eyes

UV rays, or ultraviolet radiation, are a form of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun and other artificial sources like tanning beds. There are three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA and UVB are of particular concern when it comes to eye health, as UVC is generally absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and does not reach the surface.

UV rays, or ultraviolet radiation, are a form of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun and other artificial sources like tanning beds. There are three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA and UVB are of particular concern when it comes to eye health, as UVC is generally absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and does not reach the surface.

Children are particularly susceptible to the effects of UV rays due to several factors unique to their developmental stages. Their eye lenses are clearer than those of adults, which allows more UV rays to penetrate deeper into the eye, significantly increasing the risk of damage. This exposure is compounded by the fact that children typically spend more time outdoors, resulting in prolonged exposure to UV radiation. Such extensive exposure during these formative years is particularly concerning because the effects of UV radiation are cumulative, building up over time to potentially lead to serious eye conditions in later life. These conditions can include cataracts, macular degeneration, and other forms of eye damage, and there's even an increased risk of developing cancers of the eye and surrounding skin.

UV protection standards In Sunglasses

When selecting sunglasses for children, it's crucial to ensure they conform to established UV protection standards to adequately shield their eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Sunglasses marketed for children should offer100% UV protection, effectively blocking all UVA and UVB rays. This level of protection is typically denoted by aUV 400 rating, indicating that the lenses block all light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers.

The compliance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards, specifically ANSI Z80.3 for non-prescription sunglasses, is also a good benchmark. This standard ensures that the sunglasses provide sufficient UV protection, along with meeting requirements for lens thickness and impact resistance.

Should You Choose Darker Lenses?

It's essential to recognize that thecolor of the lens or the degree of tint in sunglasses does not indicate the level of UV protection they provide. The darkness or color of the lenses is primarily for comfort and aesthetics, helping to reduce brightness and improve vision in various lighting conditions. However, this does not correlate with the sunglasses' ability to block harmful UV rays.

UV protection comes from a special coating applied to the lenses, not from how dark the tint is.Therefore, even clear lenses can offer full UV protection if they have been treated with UV-blocking chemicals. Understanding sunglasses filter categories is very important, as they are a classification system used to describe the level of tint on the lenses and how much visible light they can filter out.

• Category 0: These lenses are clear or very lightly tinted and are best for indoor use or low-light conditions. They block very little visible light, typically from 0 to 20%, and are more about fashion or protecting the eyes from dust or wind rather than sunlight.
• Category 1: Lightly tinted lenses suitable for low levels of sunlight, often used on overcast days. They block between 20% to 57% of visible light and provide minimal glare reduction.
• Category 2: Moderately tinted lenses for medium sunlight conditions. These lenses block between 57% to 82% of visible light and are suitable for typical sunny days, providing good protection against sun glare.
• Category 3: Darkly tinted lenses ideal for bright sunlight. They block between 82% to 92% of visible light and are suitable for most outdoor sports and general use in bright sunny conditions.
• Category 4: Very darkly tinted lenses designed for exceptionally bright conditions, such as direct sunlight on snow or water. These lenses block between 92% to 97% of visible light and are not suitable for driving at any time. They are often used in high-altitude mountains or at sea.

Aim for category 3 or 4 when you choose sunglasses for your kids. Category 3 is generally sufficient for typical outdoor activities in bright conditions, and Category 4 is reserved for extreme conditions to prevent eye fatigue and provide extra protection from very strong reflections. 

Are Polarized Sunglasses Safe For Children?

Polarized sunglasses are specialized eyewear designed to reduce glare from surfaces such as water, snow, and glass. Glare occurs when the sun’s rays reflect off a flat or smooth surface and enter the eye at a concentrated intensity. Polarized lenses work by using a special chemical film that is applied to the surface of the lens. This film has molecules that are aligned in a specific pattern that blocks some of the light passing through the lens. Specifically, the film filters out horizontal light waves (which make up glare) while allowing vertical waves to pass through. Many sunglasses made for children are polarized, andthey are completely safe for your kids to wear during outdoor activities where glare from surfaces can be intense. 

While polarized sunglasses are highly effective at reducing glare, they may not be suitable for all situations. For example, viewing LCD screens (such as car dashboards or some watches) can be difficult because the polarization can interfere with visibility on screens that also use a form of light polarization. Moreover, in very low light conditions, polarized lenses may make the environment appear too dark. 

Sunglasses For Children: Material And Durability

When selecting sunglasses for children, it’s crucial to consider both the materials and the durability of the lenses and frames to ensure they stand up to the energetic lifestyle of young wearers. Polycarbonate lenses are a top choice due to their impact-resistant qualities and superior UV protection, making them ideal for safeguarding young eyes against both physical impacts and harmful sun rays. While acrylic is another option due to its lower cost, it does not offer the same level of impact resistance or clarity as polycarbonate.

For frames, materials like polyamide are favored for their lightweight and flexible properties, which provide comfort and durability by adapting to various face shapes without causing discomfort. Silicone and rubber are excellent choices for younger children because these materials are soft, extremely flexible, and durable, plus they are comfortable and safe during active play.

Durability is a key factor, as children’s sunglasses need to withstand drops, bends, and general roughhousing. Opting for sunglasses with reinforced or flexible hinges can prevent common breakage and extend the lifespan of the sunglasses. Features like wraparound designs can also enhance durability by ensuring the sunglasses stay securely in place during vigorous activities. In essence, when choosing sunglasses for kids, selecting materials that offer a balance of durability, safety, and comfort is essential. These materials should not only protect against UV rays but also endure the rigorous, playful activities typical of children, ensuring longevity and continuous protection.

Sunglasses For Children: Best Shapes For Comfort-Fit

When selecting sunglasses for your kids, it's essential to find a balance between protection, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. For the little ones who never sit still, wraparound lenses are a game-changer. They offer excellent coverage, shielding your child’s eyes from UV rays from all angles, and they're great for sports and playtime because they don’t just protect from the front but also from the sides. Plus, they offer a wider view, which is perfect for outdoor adventures.

Large lenses are another solid choice since they cover more of the face, protecting against the sun, wind, and dust. Just make sure they fit well; sunglasses that are too big can be uncomfortable for your child, which means they might try to take them off every chance they get.

If your child has a smaller face,oval or round lenses can be really comfortable and they have a classic look that many kids like. This means they’re more likely to keep them on without a fuss. Squared or rectangular lenses, on the other hand, have a modern vibe that older kids might prefer, and they’re usually easier to match with prescription lenses if your child needs them.

Making sure the sunglasses fit right is crucial. They shouldn’t pinch the nose or squeeze behind the ears. A good fit means they’ll stay put, which is essential for them to do their job protecting your child’s eyes. It's a good idea to have your child try them on to make sure there aren’t any gaps between the bridge of the frame and their nose. Sunglasses that fit well will stay secure, even when your child is on the move.

The style of the temples is also important for keeping those glasses in place. Cable temples that wrap around the back of the ears are fantastic for making sure the sunglasses don’t slide off during play. For younger or particularly active kids, you might want to opt for sunglasses with an elastic strap that wraps around the head for extra security.

Note: Do you know what the numbers written on your kids’ sunglasses mean? These numbers, usually found inside the temple, indicate the lens diameter, bridge width, and temple length, all measured in millimeters. For instance, a label like "50-20-140" means the lens is 50mm (1.97 inches) wide, the bridge is 20mm (0.79 inches) across, and the temples are 140mm (5.51 inches) long. Understanding these measurements is key to selecting sunglasses that fit comfortably on your child's face. 

Purchase From A Reputable Source 

Legitimate sunglasses should offer 100% UV protection. Ensure the product description clearly states this, and look for certifications or labels like "UV400" or "100% UVA/UVB protection." A trustworthy retailer will have a clear return policy and accessible customer service. This is important in case the sunglasses aren't the right fit for your child or if there are any issues with the order. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. Extremely low prices can be a sign of counterfeit products, which may not provide adequate UV protection. 

At Little Sunnies, we're proud to offer a wide selection of high-quality children's sunglasses, all guaranteed to provide 100% UV protection. Whether you're looking for different shapes, sizes, or styles, we have something to fit every child's needs. If you're not sure which pair is right for your little one, don't hesitate tocontact our customer service team (link). We're here to help you choose the best sunglasses that not only look great but also provide the essential protection for your child's eyes.