Why carry out a vision assessment for the start of the school year?
Seeing well at school and following well in class are linked: fact or fiction? The COP9 team informs you that
Summer is a time when children spend many hours outdoors—whether at the beach, in parks, or engaging in sports.
However, prolonged exposure to sunlight can pose a significant risk to their eyes due to ultraviolet (UV) rays, particularly UVB and UVA, which can be harmful.
It is therefore crucial to take the necessary steps to protect children’s eyes during the summer.
Read our COP9 article to learn how to detect, prevent, and avoid short and long term eye health issues in children.
The sun’s rays, especially ultraviolet rays (UV) represent an increased risk for children’s eyes.
Their lens, which is clearer and less developed than that of adults, filters UV rays less effectively. This means that more of these harmful rays reach their retinas.
It is therefore crucial to protect children’s eyes from an early age with appropriate UV-blocking equipment, such as certified sunglasses.
Repeated and unprotected exposure to UV rays during childhood can have serious and lasting consequences.
Long-term risks include keratitis, a painful inflammation of the cornea.
Furthermore, high exposure contributes to the premature aging of ocular structures, increasing the risk of developing conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) later in life.
Consulting an ophthalmologist is essential to learn how to protect children’s eyes during the summer.
The first step in protecting children’s eyes is to have them wear sunglasses with high-quality sun lenses.
To properly protect children’s eyes in the summer, make sure their glasses offer 100% UV protection.
Special eyewear for children often has sturdy frames and a design that fits their face.
Parents should also look for lenses with a high UV index, and preferably an SPF sun protection factor that also filters blue light and glare caused by reflections off water or light-colored surfaces.
Summer can mean swimming, but the sea and pool can be a real challenge for children’s eyes!
These irritations create an environment conducive to infections, including conjunctivitis, especially if bacteria are present in the water.
To limit the risk of conjunctivitis and irritation, a few simple steps are essential.
To protect children’s eyes during vacation, encourage the use of fitted swimming goggles, which create an effective protective barrier against chlorinated or salt water and microorganisms.
After each swim, rinsing the eyes with saline solution is strongly recommended by Dr. Stéphanie Zwillinger to remove chlorine, salt, or sand residue that could irritate or carry germs.
Beyond swimming goggles and rinsing, it’s crucial to teach children not to rub their eyes, especially after being in the water or playing in the sand.
Hands can carry bacteria and irritants directly to the eyes, increasing the risk of infection or inflammation.
Good hand hygiene is also an excellent habit to adopt to protect children’s eyes during the summer!
In addition to goggles and sunscreen, other accessories can be very useful.
Wide-brimmed caps or hats can protect children’s faces and eyes from the sun. Similarly, choose clothing made from fabrics specially designed for UV protection. This helps absorb some of the radiation before it reaches the skin.
Plan outdoor activities to avoid bright hours, generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense.
During these hours, even on cloudy days, ultraviolet rays continue to affect the skin and eyes.
If sun exposure is unavoidable, make sure children take shelter under a parasol and wear sunglasses to minimize the impact on their skin and eyes.
Despite all precautions, an accident can still occur.
These symptoms may mask more serious damage, especially after prolonged exposure to the sun without adequate protection.
It is imperative to consult an ophthalmologist without delay if:
the pain persists;
vision is impaired (blurry, double);
the eye is very red;
the child is sensitive to light;
a foreign body seems to be embedded.
In emergency situations, such as an open wound, sudden and significant vision loss, or the presence of a chemical in the eye, go to the emergency room immediately.
After a shock to the eye, even if seemingly harmless, it is crucial to remain vigilant.
A vision screening by an eye care professional is strongly recommended if your child continues to complain of discomfort, blurred vision, headaches, or if they seem to avoid light.
A thorough examination will detect any internal injuries not visible to the naked eye and prevent long-term complications that could irreversibly affect their vision.
It is crucial to educate children about the dangers of ultraviolet rays and the importance of protecting their skin and eyes.
Explain that harmful rays can cause sunburn not only on the skin, but also eye burns or long-term blindness.
Watch for signs of discomfort or overexposure to the sun, such as watery eyes, red eyes, or complaints of eye pain.
After prolonged exposure, apply an after-sun product around the eyes and make sure your child rests in a shaded environment to allow their eyes to recover.
If in doubt, consult a dermatologist or ophthalmologist for personalized advice on eye protection.
Protecting children’s eyes in the summer is essential to prevent long-term consequences related to sun exposure.
By wearing the right sunglasses, using sunscreen, choosing the right time of day for sun exposure, and adopting protective accessories, parents can reduce the harmful risks of UV radiation.
Educating children about the importance of sun protection helps them become sun-conscious and responsible, while still enjoying their summer vacation to the fullest.
Seeing well at school and following well in class are linked: fact or fiction? The COP9 team informs you that
In order to ensure the correct protection for your eyes, you will find in this article all the advice and
For your visual comfort, ophthalmologist Stéphanie Zwillinger and the entire COP9 Paris team invite you to take care of your
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