In an effort to educate parents about the need to protect children’s eye health, Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s oldest eye health and safety organization, and Real Kids Shades, a leading manufacturer of quality eyewear for infants and children, are teaming up to ensure that 5 million children have healthy eyes for healthy futures. The joint effort supports “Star Pupils,” a trademark program of Prevent Blindness America to promote eye health and safety designed to arm parents with the information they need to help their children achieve a lifetime of healthy vision. 

To support this effort, Real Kids Shades has designed a Star Pupils-branded pair of 100 percent ultraviolet (UV-A and UV-B) protective sunglasses with a percentage of proceeds from sales donated directly to the children’s vision education initiative.  The frames come in size 0-24 months in either pink or blue.

In addition to providing information on eye conditions such as “lazy eye” or “crossed eyes,” Star Pupils also includes information on the importance of eye safety, including the effects of continued UV exposure.  UV damage is cumulative, meaning that although the effects of the eye damage may not present itself immediately, over time, the damage may become significant enough to impair vision.

Prevent Blindness America recommends that children’s sunglasses block 100 percent UV-A and UV-B ultraviolet rays and should eliminate glare and squinting. The lenses should be checked for flaws, such as scratches, bubbles and distortions that can cause children’s eyes to work harder, resulting in squinting, tearing and even headaches. Sunglasses that suit children’s active lifestyles that are impact-resistant and made of polycarbonate materials should also be considered.

Many parents may not be aware of the damage that UV rays can have on the eyes.  According to the World Health Organization, up to 80 percent of a person’s lifetime exposure to UV is received before the age of 18. In fact, children are more susceptible to UV damage than adults because they tend to spend more time outside than adults. And, according to the American Optometric Association, children are at a greater risk of UV damage because the lenses of their eyes are more transparent, which allows more short wavelength light to reach the retina. UV damage to the eyes is cumulative, meaning it builds over time.  UV exposure has been linked to cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye problems.

For more information on Star Pupils or to receive information on the Star Pupils-branded infant sunglasses, please visit starpupils.org or call (800) 331-2020.