You’ve sent your kids back to school with all the supplies, new clothes and more. But did you remember to send their sunglasses?

When we think about sun protection, sunscreen usually gets all the attention. But what about our kids’ eyes? Those bright little eyes soaking up the sunshine – any time of year -might be at more risk than we realize.

Dr. Brandon Sheetz, an SSM Health board-certified optometrist, shares an eye-opening fact:

“Kids have less protective pigment and are exposed to almost half of their lifetime exposure to UV before the age of 20,” he said. “Having less protective pigment makes children more susceptible to damage in and around the eye.”

The hidden dangers of UV exposure

UV rays don’t just harm the skin; they can also cause serious eye conditions. One lesser-known culprit is photokeratitis, a painful condition caused by UV rays reflecting off surfaces like water, snow or even sand. 

“Think of it like a sunburn for your eyes,” Dr. Sheetz explained. “Over time, unprotected UV exposure in childhood can lead to much bigger problems in adulthood such as cataracts, macular degeneration and even lesions on the eyeball. Not exactly the kind of souvenir you want from a childhood spent outdoors.” 

Simple ways to protect your child’s eyes

The good news? Eye protection is easy and effective. Here are three simple steps:

• Choose sunglasses with 100% UV protection

• Add a wide-brimmed hat to shield the face and eyes

• Encourage shade breaks during peak sunlight hours (10:00 am to 4:00 pm)

Why transition lenses are a game-changer

For active kids (and adults), transition lenses – those smart glasses that darken automatically in sunlight – are a convenient, all-in-one solution. No more switching between clear glasses and sunglasses.

These lenses don’t just block UV rays. They also:

• Reduce glare and squinting

• Ease eye strain

• Help prevent light-triggered headaches

• Offer durability and scratch resistance for busy lifestyles

Bottom line

“Don’t overlook your child’s eyes when it comes to sun safety,” Dr. Sheetz said. “A good pair of glasses, especially with transition lenses, a hat and a little shade can go a long way in protecting their vision for years to come.”

Finally, keep in mind that just like regular visits to your child’s primary care provider and dentist, annual visits to one of the eye care experts with SSM Health are also an important part of your child’s overall health.