With summer well underway, many parents are aware of the need to protect their child's skin from the sun,
however they are often unaware of the potential risks to their child's sight. Since children's eyes are still developing, they are more susceptible to damage than adults and UV light is a continual threat.

As children are very often outside and active they are likely to receive three times the annual UV exposure of an adult. Only 7% of Brits recognise that extended exposure to UV light can cause lasting damage to their eyes, demonstrating that many parents underestimate the potential lontjer lasting detrimental effects of sun to their children's sight. With many parents unaware that eye tests for under 1 G's are free, over 6O°/o of adults don't take their children for a yearly eye test and therefore fail to detect any underlying conditions affecting their child's sight.

Damage to the eyes in childhood coupled with negative effects of poor protection over a lifetime could result in difficulties in later life. Overexposure to the sun has been seen to increase the risk of developing A<je-Related Macular Degeneration and cataracts later in life. Parents should also be aware that UV rays can still penetrate through cloudy conditions. The World Health Organisation stresses the need for protection in all outdoor conditions, sunny or cloudy and not just simply by the beach or swimming pool.

Taking preventive measures during childhood can help maintain eye health, not only in the present but also in the future. Transitions lenses, whilst protecting from glare also block 100% of harmful UV rays. Children spend a great deal of time outdoors and Transitions lenses help reduce the discomfort of squints, eye strain and eye fatigue, making them an excellent clear lens replacement for all ages.