*This does not effect any Idol Eyes Australia sunglasses.*
There is a major error in the European sunglasses standard, EN ISO 12312-1:2013+A1:2015 In the EN standard, section 11.2 it specifies the Temporal Protective Requirements (side shields) for cat # 4 very dark special purpose sunglasses, designed only for (skiing, mountaineering, etc.) These sunglasses are not made for everyday use. All the sizes and positioning of the shields for adult’s sunglasses are given. But for some unknown reason the following was added for children’s sunglasses with cat # 4 lenses. “Note. Children benefit from sunglasses with temporal protection but in the absence of data, no dimensions are published in this edition of the standard.” This has been misinterpreted by some European brands to mean temporal or side shields are not required on children’s sunglasses with cat # 4 lenses and this is wrong. The problem is these lenses are really dark and only allow 3% to 8% of light to pass. This causes the pupil to dilate (open) and without side shields UV radiation enters a wide open eye causing blindness.
There are many companies, retailers and baby product review websites that promote these extremely dangerous sunglasses due to their lack of knowledge in optics. Please don’t buy these sunglasses and stop using these if you own some and never use these on the snow. To find out more details please read our blog: The dangers of poorly made sunglasses
Many brands still selling kids sunglasses with the old standard, that’s illegal in Australia.
The old Australian / New Zealand sunglasses standard – AS/NZS 1067.1:2003 is now obsolete and has been updated to AS/NZS 1067.1:2016. We suggest you check before buying any sunglasses to make sure your kids are protected with the latest standard. We did a quick Google search for “baby sunglasses” and 90% of the websites on the first page either don’t mention any standard or only refer to the old standard. Buyers be aware, your child’s eye-sight is important.
Please help save sight. Pass these messages on to family and friends with children.
Welcome
At Idol Eyes Australia, we specialize in high quality baby, toddler and children’s sunglasses. We made the world’s first baby sunglasses in 1987. Followed that with Baby Wrapz the first rubber framed sunglasses with a headband for babies. Then our world-famous Baby Wrapz 2 the first convertible baby sunglasses with headbands and temples (arms) that actually grows with your baby. Our rubber frames are super comfortable and virtually unbreakable and we only use A-grade impact resistant (PC) polycarbonate lenses with 100% UV protection. We also have many other world firsts, like our new Premy Wrapz – the world’s first premature or preemie baby sunglasses and our legendary 3-year guarantee.
BABY WRAPZ, Blue frame with a headband.
Why it is so important for babies to wear sunglasses
Today we fully understand how important wearing sunglasses is for babies from birth until 10 years of age. We know that *2% to 5% of UV rays at 320nm reach the retina of children under 9 years, while none of these more dangerous UV rays reach the retina of older age groups. We known that babies are born with a limited number of chromophores in their eyes compared to adults. The chromophore is a part of the molecule that helps absorb harmful UV radiation. They prevent these UV rays from damaging the cornea, crystalline lens and the retina, which in turn helps prevent eye diseases such as cataracts, pterygium, actinic & droplet keratites, pinguecula and macular degeneration. So wearing good quality sunglasses from birth is vital. *To find out more, please read our blog, How UV rays damage young eyes.
