Ask the experts: Do my children need to wear sunglasses?

• Sun exposure has a cumulative effect on the eyes, and can cause serious problems in later life.
• Premature cataracts and macular degeneration have been tied to UV exposure, even in childhood.
• Eye injuries generally warrant a trip to the doctor, but parents can take care of simple problems.
• Children need eyewear with UVA and UVB protection, and safety glasses when they play sports.

Every child looks adorable in a pair of sunglasses. But effective eye protection is critical for kids, particularly during the summer months. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology — which recommends hats and sunglasses for anyone exposed to the sun — UV radiation is just as detrimental to the eyes as it is to the skin, with a cumulative effect that can lead to problems in adulthood. Summer is also peak season for outdoor sports, many of which can be hazardous to young eyes. What are the dangers, exactly, and how can parents optimize their children's eye health? We turned to three local experts for the answers.

Dr. William B. Dieck, opthalmologist, Mount Kisco

Why is sun exposure harmful for children's eyes?

Excessive UV exposure, even in childhood, significantly increases the risk in later life for premature cataracts and macular degeneration, a deterioration of the retina that leads to vision loss. And its effects are cumulative. "Every day you're in the sun is never forgotten," says Dieck.

For that reason, it's never too early to make sure a child's eyes are protected.

Children who spend time in or near the water experience even more of a negative impact from the sun. "They get reflection of the ultraviolet light from below as well as above, so they're really doubling their dose,'' he says. "It's hard to get kids to wear sunglasses, but it's a very important thing."

Kids with lighter eyes are more susceptible to UV damage from the sun. "A dark-brown iris shuts down the same as a blue iris, but more ultraviolet exposure transilluminates [passes through] the blue, light-eyed iris, even if the pupil is doing what it's supposed to be doing,'' says Dieck.

And don't be fooled into thinking you can forget about the sunglasses when the sun isn't bright. Sunburn — and UV exposure to the eyes — happens on overcast days too, says Dieck, who also recommends that children wear sunglasses when skiing, or spending a great deal of time outside no matter what the season.

Dr. Herbert Newman, pediatrician, White Plains

What sorts of summertime eye injuries can a parent handle, and when is it time to see a doctor?

Tears will naturally clear up eyes that are irritated from chlorinated water or dust particles. But if suntan lotion, a small insect or grains of sand get into a child's eye, parents will need to flush them out with plain, warm tap water — lots of it. "Flood it,'' says Newman. "Take quarts of water and just pour it in. It's not easy, in a child, to get that eye to stay open, but you do the very best you can."

If a child still complains of a scratchy feeling after getting sand in the eye — something that might indicate a corneal abrasion — it's important to see an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in treating the eyes).

Any time a child gets a direct blow to the eye, it's essential that he or she is seen quickly, either by an opthalmologist or a member of a hospital's emergency room staff.

Newman says that cuts on the eyelid can sometimes extend to the inside corner of the eye, potentially reaching the tear duct. Those sorts of lacerations should be seen by a pediatrician; if surgical repair is needed, the doctor will send the child to a specialist.

There are many items used in the summer that are potentially dangerous to the eyes, including dart guns, BB guns, paintball guns and fireworks. Children should also keep their distance from power lawnmowers, which blow around grass and other particles that can fly into the eyes, says Newman.

"Anything that gets into the eye should be evaluated,'' he says. If in doubt, call the doctor's office.

Dr. Matthew J. Watson, optometrist, Eyevolution Optique, Nyack

How should parents select appropriate protective eyewear for children?

Sunglasses that provide adequate protection from UVA and UVB light are essential for children, says Watson. So are sports goggles that shield the eyes from injury.

But when it comes to picking eyewear, it's important to know what you're getting. Some sunglasses, like those often sold on the street, have lenses that are simply tinted. Those darker lenses, without any real UV protection, "fool the brain" and cause the pupil to dilate, says Watson. "You're actually increasing UV absorption into the eye through an inadequate lens."

Sunglasses made with polycarbonate lenses, which are impact-resistant and can block up to 100 percent of UV light, are a good choice for children and infants, he says. Polarized lenses, which use a different technology, offer enhanced protection from glare. Children who wear prescription eyeglasses can easily order clip-on lenses that offer UV protection, preventing the need for an additional set of eyewear.

For active kids, the use of protective glasses or goggles can prevent numerous injuries. Safety glasses with photochromic lenses that adjust to the light are ideal for outdoor sports, he says.

He suggested that parents of children who tend to lose or break things might want to use a credit card with loss or damage protection when they buy their children's eyewear, noting that many policies cover a 90-day period, which is pretty much the whole summer. "If your kid loses them or they step on them or they drop off the bicycle and get crushed, you can put in a claim and they will basically refund that money."