Why do kids need sunglasses?

July 1, 2022  18:35

We all know that too much UV is bad for the skin. Although it is under its influence that solar vitamin D is produced, but when there is too much sun, the risk of skin cancer (melanoma) is greatly increased, and skin aging is accelerated. Plus, the thermal effect is blood clotting (the risk of thrombosis increases), vasospasm (the risk of heart attack and strokes, Komsomolskaya Pravda writes).

But we completely forget that the sun also hits another sensitive organ - the eyes, especially in babies. Ophthalmologist Marina Livadina on the Children's Experts Club telegram channel explained why children, like adults, need to protect their eyes from the bright sun, and more importantly, from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Ultraviolet rays have an extremely negative effect on the lens of the eye. In adults, with prolonged intense exposure, they can provoke premature clouding of the lens - cataracts.

In addition, ultraviolet light affects the retina of the eye. Both children and adults. This is the thinnest nervous tissue that converts light energy into the energy of nerve impulses (in short, this is how vision is formed). Due to the active sun, the retina also ages faster.

Not to mention the fact that if you look at the sun without special protection, you can get a retinal burn.

If a child is light-eyed, fair-haired and pale, it means that he has little protective pigment from ultraviolet radiation in his body. Needless to say, the bright sun is generally harmful for babies up to a year old - they have not yet produced pigment, and the process of heat transfer (because of which we sweat) has not yet been really started either.

It is better for such children to "sunbathe" in the shade. And, of course, do not appear in the sun during the hottest hours - from 11 am to 4-5 pm.

Be sure to also use protective cream, panama hats and sunglasses.

Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter


  • Related News
 
  • Video
 
 
  • Event calendar
 
 
  • Archive
 
  • Most read
 
  • Find us on Facebook
 
  • Poll
Are you aware that in 2027 medical insurance will become mandatory for all Armenian citizens?
I’m aware, and I'm in favor
I’m not aware, and I'm against
I'm aware, but I'm still undecided
I'm not aware, but in principle I'm in favor
I'm not aware, but in principle I'm against
It doesn't matter to me