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Vision Express warns that children's eyes risk sun damage as Britain prepares for a barbecue summer

VISION EXPRESS WARNS THAT CHILDREN’S EYES RISK SUN DAMAGE AS BRITAIN PREPARES FOR A BARBECUE SUMMER

- Children as young as 3 should wear sunglasses, says Vision Express

- Avoid fake sunglasses with “bling factor” from market traders, especially abroad, warns Vision Express

- Free prescription sunglasses with all prescription glasses sales to children throughout the summer

With the Met Office’s prediction of a barbecue summer looking increasingly likely, Vision Express, the leading national chain of opticians, is warning parents to protect their children’s eyes from excessive exposure to sunlight. The warning has received the endorsement of the RNIB. The May Met Office circular indicates that many parts of the UK enjoyed sunnier-than-average conditions this year, with some parts of Scotland seeing 150% of normal sunshine. Mean temperatures were between 0.5 °C and 1.5 °C above the 1971-2000 norm throughout the UK, with increasing warmth toward the east coast of England.

Bryan Magrath, CEO of Vision Express said: “In our opinion, insufficient research has been done into the potentially harmful effects of excessive exposure to sunlight on children’s eyes. Our climate is changing and our exposure to direct sunlight throughout the year, and in particular in the summer months, looks set to grow. For those reasons, we’re recommending that parents take action to limit their children’s exposure to direct sunlight. In our view, all kids should have sunglasses.”

To support the warning and underline its commitment to eye protection, Vision Express is offering a free pair of prescription sunglasses with all prescription glasses sales from their £20 range or above with immediate effect. The offer will apply to children under the age of 16 (or 18 if in full time education).

Estimates vary, but it is thought that between 60 and 80 percent of sun exposure takes place prior to the age of 18. Children and teenagers are particularly susceptible to the sun’s damaging rays because they typically spend more time outdoors than adults, and the lenses of their eyes are more transparent than those of adults. The transparent lenses allow more short wavelength light to reach the retina of the eye.

The Vision Express initiative has the support of the RNIB. Sonal Rughani, Senior Service Advisor for RNIB, says: “A substantial amount of our exposure to sunlight occurs when we are children. As the leading charity committed to preventing avoidable sight loss, we encourage children to look after their eyes, as excessive exposure to sunlight can potentially damage the eyes and may contribute to the onset of other eye-related conditions such as AMD and cataracts. Sunglasses with proper UV protection can make a positive contribution to eye protection in the young.”

Vision Express is also warning parents to think twice before buying sunglasses from market traders, especially when on holiday abroad.

Bryan Magrath added: “Many market traders in tourist destinations make a living from the sales of imitation sunglasses with a high bling factor which appeal to children but which often offer little or no protection despite claims to the contrary. It is more important to our kids’ eyes that their sunglasses have a high sun protection factor and we urge parents to avoid buying knock-down eyewear in the UK or abroad that may well increase the risks of sun damage to their children’s eyes.”

Research by the American Optometric Association (AOA) suggests that prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays and short wavelength light (violet and blue light) without proper protection may cause eye conditions that can lead to a variety of vision disorders. According to the AOA, overexposure to UV rays has been linked to age-related cataracts and corneal degenerative changes, according to the American Optometric Association.

These conditions can cause blurred vision, irritation, redness, tearing, temporary vision loss and, in some instances, blindness. According to the AOA, the effects of sunlight exposure are cumulative; therefore, individuals whose work or recreational activities involve lengthy exposure to sunlight are at the greatest risk. UV radiation reflects off surfaces such as snow, water and white sand, so the risk is particularly high for people on beaches, boats or ski slopes. The risk for serious damage is greatest during the mid-day hours, generally from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and during summer months.

Vision Express advises parents to introduce their children to the wearing of sunglasses gradually so that they can become accustomed to them.

- Ends –

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