It's Never Too Early: Kids and Sunglasses

Its Never Too Early: Kids and Sunglasses

kids Sunglasses Most children spend more time outdoors than most adults. Sunglasses for kids are the first line of defense against the damage that the sun can do. We only have one set of eyes, and the sooner we begin protecting them, the longer we will have use of them. Kids may not be conscious of the need for sun protection, but there are new choices out there that can turn sunglasses from simple protection into fun fashion accessories that kids will want to wear.

The UV light from the sun can damage the retina and lenses of the eye, damage which is cumulative over time. In addition, the skin around the eyes is thin, and prone to damage from UV rays. Kids’ eyes are still developing, and extra protection is needed to keep their eyes and skin as healthy as possible for the rest of their lives. Sunglasses can provide that protection.

While most adults know that sunglasses are necessary for protection, many kids don’t. They are out in the sun from an early age, and it’s up to the adults in their lives to provide an example they can follow. Many adult sunglass frames have been scaled down to child-size, providing children the opportunity to look like mom and dad, if they choose.

How to Choose Sunglasses for Kids?

kids Sunglasses Kids can now choose from neon plastic frames, to color-coordinated frames. Metal frames are available for active play; their better durability means they will last longer. In addition, wrap-around sports frames also come in kids’ sizes. These frames provide a further advantage in that they also give more protection to the whole eye. UV light doesn’t just come from the front; it can get in the side around standard sunglasses.

Lenses are also available in many different materials. Plastic, glass and polycarbonate all have different advantages and disadvantages. Glass provides some UV protection just by itself, and further treatments in most sunglass manufacturing gives additional protection. Glass does break, however, and can be dangerous. Plastic lenses are more break-resistant than glass, but plastic requires treatment to block UV light. Plastic lenses are also scratch-prone, and easily damaged. Still they are a more affordable option. Polycarbonate lenses are break-and scratch-resistant, and thinner and lighter than either plastic or glass. The main disadvantage of polycarbonate lenses is cost. Plastic polycarbonate sunglasses will be the most expensive option for kid’s eyewear.

No matter what type of frame style or lens material one chooses, lenses can be prescription if needed. This gives children with vision issues more options for eye protection. There are even lenses that will darken as needed when exposed to sunlight; this is a great option for children and their parents, as there will be one less pair of glasses to worry about. It is never too early to protect a child’s eyes from the sun’s damaging rays. Wearing sunglasses when kids are outside will give them a life-long habit that will keep their eyes in good shape as they grow into adulthood.

CR-39 began the change of optical lenses from glass to plastic materials. It is lighter weight, more impact resistant than glass lenses; thus, becoming a popular type of material used in single vision, bifocal, and multifocal or progressive lenses.

Material is low price and easy to manufacture. It is often preferred by individuals on a tight budget. However, because of its 1.50 index, customers with high prescription powers are recommended to use higher index lenses such as 1.56, PC, 1.67, or 1.74 lenses.

CR39 Lenses Features are:

Fragmentation: When plastic lens breaks, it breaks into larger fragments than their glass counterparts. Furthermore, the fragmented pieces are not as sharp as glass.
Fogging: CR39 lenses are less likely to fog-up than glass lenses because it responds more favorably to temperature changes.
Weight: Glass lenses are approximately 2X heavier than plastic lenses of similar size and shape. The lighter weight provides the wearer greater comfort.
Reflections: CR39 lenses have much lower internal reflection and surface glare than glass materials.
Tinting: CR39 lenses are great for tinting. Lenses can be tinted to virtually any color. Even lenses with variable thickness are able to be tinted evenly.

If you want thinner, lighter lenses, and have an milder prescription, then mid index lenses are the way to go. As prescription increases, the lenses become thicker. Thicker lenses increase internal reflections that reduce vision quality. Furthermore, thicker lenses add to the weight of each pair of glasses reducing comfort. Mid-Index lenses refract the light at a greater angle allowing the wearer to have a beautifully thin and light pair of glasses.

Mid Index Lenses Features are:

Fragmentation: When plastic lens breaks, it breaks into larger fragments than their glass counterparts. Furthermore, the fragmented pieces are not as sharp as glass.
Fogging: Mid Index lenses are less likely to fog-up than glass lenses because it responds more favorably to temperature changes.
Weight: Glass lenses are approximately 2X heavier than plastic lenses of similar size and shape. The lighter weight provides the wearer greater comfort.
Reflections: Mid Index lenses have much lower internal reflection and surface glare than glass materials.
Tinting: Mid index lenses are also tintable, so you can get that pair of sunglasses you’ve been eyeing for so long.

Polycarbonate lenses has a high index of refraction 1.59 and low density making PC lenses 20% thinner and 25% lighter than regular plastic lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are the most impact resistant lenses on the market. Therefore, it is the industry standard for safety goggles, and highly recommended for kids' lenses.

Polycarbonate Lenses Features are:

Impact Resistant: Polycarbonate material was originally made for uses on canopies covering fighter planes and then made its way into space on astronaut visors and space shuttle windshields. Today it is readily available to the public. It impact resistance makes the material extremely suitable for sports, industrial safety goggles, and children's eyewear.
Scratching: The reason for polycarbonate lenses' impact resistance is because of its "softness". Softer materials will flex instead of fragment when met with great force. However, the property allows lenses to be scratched easily. Therefore, every single one of our polycarbonate lenses is multi-coated with hard coating that forms a protective layer around the lenses allowing the lenses to be free from scratches while retaining its impact resistant qualities.
UV Protection: Polycarbonate lenses inherently carries UV protection properties that blocks nearly 100% of the UV rays from entering the back of the retina.

If you want thinner, lighter lenses, then high index lenses are the way to go. As prescription increases, the lenses become thicker. Thicker lenses increase internal reflections that reduce vision quality. Furthermore, thicker lenses add to the weight of each pair of glasses reducing comfort. Hi-Index lenses refract the light at a greater angle allowing the wearer to have a beautifully thin and light pair of glasses.

High Index Lenses Features are:

Fragmentation: When plastic lens breaks, it breaks into larger fragments than their glass counterparts. Furthermore, the fragmented pieces are not as sharp as glass.
Fogging: High Index lenses are less likely to fog-up than glass lenses because it responds more favorably to temperature changes.
Weight: Glass lenses are approximately 2X heavier than plastic lenses of similar size and shape. The lighter weight provides the wearer greater comfort.
Reflections: High Index lenses have much lower internal reflection and surface glare than glass materials.
Tinting: High index lenses are also tintable, so you can get that pair of sunglasses you've been eyeing for so long.

Its Never Too Early: Kids and Sunglasses

How to Choose Sunglasses for Kids?

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