This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/health/8204956.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Parents 'ignoring eye sun danger' Parents 'ignoring eye sun danger'
(about 8 hours later)
Three in four parents are risking their child's eyesight by exposing them to bright sun without appropriate protection, experts warn.Three in four parents are risking their child's eyesight by exposing them to bright sun without appropriate protection, experts warn.
Nearly a third of parents in Britain do not buy their children sunglasses, a poll of 2,000 people for the College of Optometrists revealed.Nearly a third of parents in Britain do not buy their children sunglasses, a poll of 2,000 people for the College of Optometrists revealed.
Of those who do, nearly half put price before protection and only a quarter buy sunglasses from a trusted brand.Of those who do, nearly half put price before protection and only a quarter buy sunglasses from a trusted brand.
The College recommends choosing dark glasses with a CE mark for quality.The College recommends choosing dark glasses with a CE mark for quality.
Sunglasses don't need to be expensive to offer good protection but it is important for parents to check that the pair they buy carry a CE Mark Optometrist Dr Susan BlakeneySunglasses don't need to be expensive to offer good protection but it is important for parents to check that the pair they buy carry a CE Mark Optometrist Dr Susan Blakeney
People with light coloured eyes are most at risk from sun damage and those with blue eyes should always wear sunglasses, the experts advise.People with light coloured eyes are most at risk from sun damage and those with blue eyes should always wear sunglasses, the experts advise.
UV rays from sunlight can damage the retina and the lens of the eye and can lead to long-term damage.UV rays from sunlight can damage the retina and the lens of the eye and can lead to long-term damage.
Too much exposure is linked to conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.Too much exposure is linked to conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Wearing cheap sunglasses with no UV filters poses an even greater danger than wearing none at all because the pupils will dilate allowing more harmful rays into the eye.Wearing cheap sunglasses with no UV filters poses an even greater danger than wearing none at all because the pupils will dilate allowing more harmful rays into the eye.
BUYING TIPS Buy good quality dark sunglasses from a reputable sellerLook for the standard CE mark for qualityEnsure they are a good fit - children should not be able to peep over the topBands can be worn to keep the sunglasses on - particularly useful for the sportyBUYING TIPS Buy good quality dark sunglasses from a reputable sellerLook for the standard CE mark for qualityEnsure they are a good fit - children should not be able to peep over the topBands can be worn to keep the sunglasses on - particularly useful for the sporty
And the risk is cumulative, meaning the more UV exposure a person has the higher their risk will be.And the risk is cumulative, meaning the more UV exposure a person has the higher their risk will be.
Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser at the College of Optometrists, said: "I am shocked to see that so many parents aren't ensuring that their child's eyes are protected in the sun, and am equally astounded to see that of those who do, many are opting for 'cheap and cheerful' over quality.Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser at the College of Optometrists, said: "I am shocked to see that so many parents aren't ensuring that their child's eyes are protected in the sun, and am equally astounded to see that of those who do, many are opting for 'cheap and cheerful' over quality.
"Sunglasses don't need to be expensive to offer good protection but it is important for parents to check that the pair they buy carry a CE mark.""Sunglasses don't need to be expensive to offer good protection but it is important for parents to check that the pair they buy carry a CE mark."
She said most children would happily wear sunglasses but said a sunhat to shade the eyes would also work, particularly for infants who may pull the glasses off.She said most children would happily wear sunglasses but said a sunhat to shade the eyes would also work, particularly for infants who may pull the glasses off.
However, research has shown mixed results about whether UV causes significant damage.However, research has shown mixed results about whether UV causes significant damage.
Consultant paediatric ophthalmologist Michael Clarke said the issue was controversial.Consultant paediatric ophthalmologist Michael Clarke said the issue was controversial.
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists recommends children wear protective sunglasses if they are likely to be exposed to a lot of UV light, such as during a day at the beach.The Royal College of Ophthalmologists recommends children wear protective sunglasses if they are likely to be exposed to a lot of UV light, such as during a day at the beach.
Very young children should not be exposed to bright sunshine at all, says the college.Very young children should not be exposed to bright sunshine at all, says the college.