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Unfortunately today anyone with a computer or mobile phone. Can indeed copy and paste all sorts of misinformation on the world-wide web. And we certainly do see the same lies perpetuated across the internet. Therefore at the end of each blog we will certainly highlight these lies so that you don’t get fouled.
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Don’t miss the latest sunglasses “WARNINGS” on this page. They certainly will save your child’s eyesight.
To easily see when you require UV protection. Check the MyUV website. It provides you with the knowledge and tools to read the UV Index. So you can find out how to be SunSmart and make the most of your day.
Our brand new Eco-Friendly Polycarbonate Lenses are really high tech. As well as being totally unique. Besides they also have all the same great features as our traditional polycarbonate lens. Like, true 100% UV protection. As well as a true G15 lens colour. Furthermore these are truly impact resistant. Plus they are also really tough. Therefore they will handle every day use by little people. The real difference of course is this new lens is made from an Eco-friendly plant based material. So they really are environmentally friendly. As well as being truly green and also totally sustainable. Moreover when you buy this lens you surely will help make this world a better place for all kids.
Eco-Friendly Polycarbonate Lenses
Plant based bio lenses
WOW!! The future has finally arrived.
These brand new lenses were launched in Taiwan earlier 2023. With the official launch at O=MEGA23 and the 4th WORLD CONGRESS OF OPTOMETRY held in Melbourne in October. Were we exhibited our latest products to the optical industry and also letting them know of the latest advancements in baby and children’s optics.
You can now get these fantastic Eco-friendly lenses in the following models:
All parents need to know about this. So please like this post by clicking on the like (thumbs up) button below. That certainly will help more people see this important information. Thanks.
If you are looking for the very best baby or kids sunglasses. You certainly cannot buy better than our high quality range. Available now at our online shop. Check them out.
We do use RSS feeds to protect our copyright blogs.
If you have any questions about buying the correct sunglasses for your baby and kids. Or any other questions please contact us via: https://idoleyes.com.au/contact-us/
All parents need to know there is a real major problem with all world sunglasses standards. Yes. I said all world sunglasses standards. And there certainly are dangerous world sunnies standards for kids. Especially when it comes to sunglasses for those under 10 years old. And the younger the child is the bigger the problem is. So, for both babies and toddlers you must be extremely careful when you buy baby and toddler sunglasses. Because many kids sunglasses that do pass world standards can cause blindness.
Bad sunnies standards for kids
How did this happen
The world’s very first sunglasses standard was written in Australia. And at that time there were no babies sunglasses available. So the sunglasses standard was only written for older kids and adults. So the standard was OK at that time.
Then sometime later both the EU and USA simply copied the Australian standard. But with one minor change. They both thought that as the sun is not as strong in their countries as it is in Australia. They should downgraded the UV from 400Nm to 380Nm. So both those standards neglect 20Nm of harmful UV rays. Therefore 40% of harmful UVA can reach the eyes when wearing these sunglasses.
And as you can see in the table below. Even in the latest Australian sunglasses standard. Sunnies with lens category #3 lenses can pass the standard with only 91% UVA protection. Therefore 9% of harmful UVA can reach the eyes when wearing these sunglasses.
Lens category
Visible light transmission %
UVB % 280nm – 315nm
UVA % 315nm – 400 nm
0
100 – 80
95 – 96
0 – 20
1
80 – 43
96 – 97.85
20 – 57
2
43 – 18
97.85 – 99.1
57 -82
3
18 – 8
99.1 – 99.6
91 – 96
4
8 – 3
99.6 – 99.85
96 – 98.5
Australian Sunglasses Standard. The figures represent the UV protection as a percentage. The range occurs due to the lens darkness within each lens category. (The darker the lens the higher the UV protection).
UV protection limitations
Even as I write this today not one world sunglasses standard has been amended to fix this major problem. Instead baby and toddler sunglasses were only incorporated into existing standards. With no real amendments for UV protection when it comes to sunnies standards for small kids.
Therefore today 100% UV protection is still not a requirement. Note that even the world’s strictest sunglasses standard. AS/NZS 1067.1:2016 from Australia. Can have as low as 0% UVA protection depending on the lens category. And both the EU and USA standards are lower. So always avoid both the EU and USA sunglasses in Australia and overseas. Especially for young children.
These are extremely dangerous sunglasses for kids
The big problem with the sunnies standards for kids
So why is the transmission of this harmful UVA. (9% UVA Australian standard or 40% UVA EU and USA standard). On CAT#3 lenses such a big problem for babies and toddlers? Because sunglasses do have dark lenses. And when the eye is in the dark (like behind a dark lens). The pupil will dilate (open wider) and this allows the harmful UVA to enter a wide open eye. We certainly do know that small children’s eyes do transmit these harmful UV rays all the way to the retina. You can read about it in our blog: The Reliable Truth, How UV Damages Eyes. Therefore this is a really big problem for all babies and young kids.
Non-compliant UV 400 stickers
Don’t be fouled. If you think UV400 stickers fixed the problem. It did not!UV stickers are not apart of any world sunglasses standard. So this claim is never checked in any country. And our testing has shown that no sunglasses with these stickers cuts 100% of the harmful UV. At best they only meet the current standards.
For those children who wear low quality lenses. Or even lenses that do pass world standards. This does have disastrous consequences. And as a result it leads to terrible eye diseases. Like cataracts, pterygium, actinic & droplet keratitis, pinguecula and macular degeneration including blindness. So, even buying sunglasses made to world sunnies standards for kids. They certainly can cause blindness.
Please be really careful when buying sunglasses for a baby, toddler or even kids under 10 years old. Due to these dangerous sunnies standards for kids. Your child does not deserve to end up blind just because you purchased the wrong sunglasses.
*News flash* sunnies standards for kids
Yet another huge problem has emerged. And every child who wears sunglasses with these cheap, soft, distorted nasty TAC polarized film (lenses) will end up blind. And the more often they wear this rubbish the quicker they will end up blind. See all the details and video on this page.
All parents need to know about this. So please like this post by clicking on the like (thumbs up) button below. That certainly will help more people see this important information. Thanks.
If you are looking for the very best baby or kids sunglasses. You certainly cannot buy better than our high quality range. Available now at our online shop. Check them out.
It is truly important to do these simple checks for kids sunglasses. Especially if you own any kids sunglasses. And of course it is also very wise to check before you buy kids sunglasses.
How can I check if my kids sunglasses are really good or bad?
Simply by using our easy to use and completely free 12 points sunglasses checker.
We know that many kids sunglasses do not pass this easy checker. And some can certainly do more harm than good. While many just do not give maximum protection. So, this kids sunglasses checker really will save your children’s eyesight.
Checks for kids sunglasses
12 critical points or checks for kids sunglasses 😍😎
Please do use this completely free simple checklist. To see if your kids sunglasses or the sunglasses you are about to buy will harm or help. You will find the easy to follow instructions at the top of the page. The answers to all of these questions should be available on the sunglasses or the attached tag. If you cannot find the answer to a question then that company is trying to hide something. Simply do not buy those sunglasses. If you are having any trouble using this kids sunglasses checker then please contact us. We truly would love to help you.
It’s totally free to download and use. Note: This 12 critical points sunglasses checker always remains the copyright property of Idol Eyes Australia.
We certainly do hope you find this simple sunglasses checker helpful. So that you can be confident the sunglasses your kids have are truly saving their eyesight.
Spread the love and let your friends know about our checks for kids sunglasses. ❤️🕶️
Once you have tried this very simple checklist. Do your friends a favor. And let them know how easy it is to check their kids sunglasses with this easy checker. Also by leaving your comment below you will be helping others save their kids eyesight. Thank you.
And if that is all too hard. You certainly could just buy “Idol Eyes Australia” sunglasses from our online shop. All pre-checked by us to offer your kids the very best eye protection.
Can this simple checker be used on adult’s sunglasses?
The answer is YES. But we do suggest you neglect the more baby orientated questions. Like Q1, Are they toy sunglasses? Hopefully you would not buy toy sunglasses for yourself. (But we do see some foolish adults wearing over-sized toy sunglasses.) Q10, Is the frame BPA/F/S free? Hopefully you would know sunglasses are not edible. (But we do see some adults chewing on their sunglasses.)
UV Protection
To easily see when you require UV protection. Check the MyUV website. It provides you with the knowledge and tools to read the UV Index. So you can find out how to be SunSmart and make the most of your day.
All parents need to know about this. So please like this post by clicking on the like (thumbs up) button below. That certainly will help more people see this important information. Thanks.
A very simple quick quiz on kids sunglasses. This has been designed to test your knowledge on both baby and kids sunglasses. To see if you know what is the best to look for when buying sunglasses for your kids.
A quick quiz on baby kids sunglasses so you will know how to buy quality sunglasses for your kids
Quick quiz on kids sunglasses 💯%🕶️
Undoubtedly all parents would really like to buy their kids sunglasses. That will save their eyesight from harmful UV radiation and eye diseases. This quick quiz will test your knowledge. On what are the best sunglasses and other important factors. If you can answer all 10 questions correctly. You can then be assured when you are buying sunglasses for your kids that you will end up with only the best.
If you don’t feel confident. Please use our free simple checklist. To see if your kids sunglasses or the sunglasses you are about to buy will harm or help.
Good luck.
Don’t miss the latest sunglasses “WARNINGS” on this page. They will save your child’s eyesight.
We do use RSS feeds to protect our copyright blogs.
If you have any questions about buying the correct sunglasses for your baby and kids. Or any other questions please contact us via: https://idoleyes.com.au/contact-us/
To easily see when you require UV protection. Check the MyUV website. It provides you with the knowledge and tools to read the UV Index. So you can find out how to be SunSmart and make the most of your day.
Here you will learn about polarized lenses the good and the bad. 🎓🌞
What is polarized light? 😦
Polarized light occurs when scattered light reflects off any flat horizontal shiny surface. Such as water in a lake, a car windscreen, sand, snow, concrete and asphalt roads. Glare or polarized light does reduce visibility and it also distorts colour. As well it makes vision uncomfortable and painful. But extensive research shows it does not cause eye problems.
Polarized Lenses the good and the bad
The white polarized glare shinning off the top of the water in this picture distorts the true colour. High quality polarized lenses would eliminate all of this glare. Alternatively low quality polarized lenses would eliminate as little as 30% of this glare.
Polarized lenses are they good or are they bad?
Polarized lenses in theory should be better than plain lenses. But in reality this is not always the case. Low quality polarized lenses do cause headaches. They also distort vision and lead to eye problems and yes even blindness.
Polarized lenses and UV protection
Please note. Polarized lenses are not better or worse than plain lenses. At eliminating harmful UV radiation. Just make sure you only buy sunglasses with *100% UV protection between 280Nm and 400Nm. *(Note the earth’s atmosphereabsorbs all UVC from 100Nm to 280Nm). *Let me be clear, that means all UV rays between 280Nm to 400Nm.Not:- UV400, UVA, UVB, UVC or the USA and EU standard UV 280Nm to 380Nm.
Kids especially require total UV protection. This is due to the lack of chromophores within their eyes compared to adults. You can read more about UV protection here: Sunglasses the good and the bad
How they are made – Polarized lenses the good and the bad
Low quality polarized lenses 👎
Firstly the polarized film is made. Simply by heating and stretching a very soft PVA “Polyvinyl acetate” material. It then forms into long chain molecules. That subsequently align in one direction. Secondly by placing the polarized film between two thin sheets of either acrylic. Or TAC (tri-acetate cellulose). It is then laminated together. Finally to create a curved lens. The flat laminated lens is then pressed into a mould.
Note, these cheap, soft polarized lenses do scratch really easy. As well these thin lenses do easily bend and twist which distort the polarized film. Consequently many customers report that these lenses cause them headaches and eye fatigue. Also due to the distortion and low quality polarized sheet material used in these lenses. They only cut as little as 30% of the reflected glare. Worse still the distortion from these lenses leads to major non-reversible eye damage. There after requiring prescription glasses to see.
More on Low quality polarized lenses 👎
Never buy cheap TAC polarized film (lenses). Especially for children. Who are harder on sunglasses and will scratch these soft lenses. Scratched lenses do cause even more *stress to the eyes.Many of these cheap lenses also use a UV coating that children will scratch easily. Consequently leaving no UV protection. Please watch the video so your children do not end up blind.
Polarized lenses the good and the really bad
*When you wear a scratched lens. The scratch appears as a blur in the image. And as the brain is not happy with the blur. It sends a small signal to the ciliary muscle (a small muscle that circles the lens of the eye). To adjust the lens for a clearer picture. Of course the blur remains. So the brain sends another signal to readjust. And this repeats until the scratched lens is removed. Just by wearing a scratched lens for one day the small ciliary muscle wears out. Then the only way to adjust vision is with prescription glasses.
How to know if it is a cheap polarized lens
The material name, TAC (Tri-acetate cellulose). Please note: Many kids sunglasses use these rubbish lenses. But incorrectly state it is polycarbonate. So please do the following finger test and if it deflects don’t buy them. They will harm your child’s eyes.
By pressing your finger tip on the centre of the outside surface of the lens. Cheap lenses will deflect under a little pressure. Any deflection will distort the polarized film.
Tap the lens with you finger nail. A cheap lens gives a dead thud sound. A hard lenses will ring like glass when tapped.
The name and shame list of companies harming kids eyes
This list comprises some companies that do sell rubbish TAC polarized lenses that certainly will harm your children. So, if you do care for your kids please avoid these brands.
R#s#a#b#, G#m#y S#n#i#s, F#e#i S#n#i#s, B#k#B#b#, G#e#h & C#, H#n#a#s, T#e#y C#e#u#s, and many others.
If you would like your company name to be removed from this list. Simply let us know that you are no longer selling these very harmful polarized film sunglasses. Also if you know of any brand selling this rubbish lens and they are not on our list please let us know. Then we can add it to our list to help others.
High quality polarized lenses 👍
High quality polarized lenses start with the same process. By heating and stretching a soft PVA material to form long chain molecules. But done very accurately with high quality material. Therefore these lenses will eliminate all polarized glare. This polarized film is then placed between two high quality lenses. Made from either polycarbonate, trivex, CR39 or glass.
Consequently by using these high quality lenses. They do not require a UV coating that will scratch. Instead the lens has UV protection evenly distributed throughout. The finished lenses should be at least 2mm thick. This will then avoid any distortion of the polarized film. To avoid headaches and eye fatigue do not buy thinner lenses. They will only cause problems as reported by many customers. Of cause these high quality polarized lenses do cost more.
How to know if it is a high quality polarized lens
The material name, polycarbonate, trivex, CR39 or glass.
Press the centre of the outside surface of the lens with your finger tip. It should not deflect under pressure.
Tap the lens with you finger nail. The sound of a hard lenses will ring like glass when tapped.
Important checks when buying polarized lenses ✔️😎
Firstly to check that it is a polarized lens. You will need two pair of polarized sunglasses or two lenses to do this. Place the two sunglasses facing each other and both lenses horizontal. You should be able to see clearly through both lenses. Now while looking through one set of lenses facing each other. Slowly rotate one sunglasses lens until it is 90 degrees with the other lens. It should go from clear to dark and not transparent. If there is no change. Then either one or both of the lenses are not polarized.
Secondly check the polarized lens is horizontal with the frame. Place the two sunglasses facing each other and horizontal. You should be able to see clearly through both lenses. If it is not perfectly clear. Then the installation of the lenses is incorrect. Now while looking through one set of lenses facing each other. Slowly rotate one sunglasses lens until it is 90 degrees with the other lens. If the lens goes completely dark before reaching 90 degrees. The lens has been incorrectly installed. In either one or both sunglasses. Don’t buy them as it will not filter the polarized light effectively. Then check the other lens the same way.
Our recommendation 👍🕶️
Eye sight is important. And low quality polarized sunglasses will damage eyesight. So never buy them. They also cost similar to high quality plain lenses sunglasses. That will protect eyesight. So we recommend you buy the high quality plain sunglasses. If you can afford the high quality PC polarized sunglasses. That will eliminate all reflective glare then buy these.
High quality adult PC polarized sunglasses can start at A$140.00 and go up to A$700.00 or higher depending on the brand. Our Idol Eyes Australia baby polarized sunglasses start at A$110.00. Using the same high quality PC polarized lenses. Any prices lower than I have indicated. Will only be low quality polarized lenses and should be avoided. If you care about your or your child’s eye health.
Myths about polarized lenses. – As seen on many websites by those with no experience in optics.
Polarized lenses are made with a polarized coating. No, totally false.
Polarized lenses have a special polarizing film that is applied in the factory on the front surface of the lens. No, totally false.
Polarized lenses have a special chemical applied to them to filter light. Totally wrong.
Polarized coatings darkens the lens. Wrong.
Polarized lenses aren’t available for regular reading glasses. Wrong.
Darker lens colors provide higher levels of polarization. Wrong.
Polarized lenses cut more UV radiation than plain lenses. No, not necessarily. Polarization has nothing to do with UV radiation. (Polarized lenses help eliminate polarized light or glare.)
Polarized sunglasses are better than plain sunglasses. No, it firstly depends on the quality. But if both are high quality, the polarized lens will also eliminate that horrid glare. And if they are low quality polarized lenses. You will end up with headaches and distorted vision. All leading to eye problems and blindness.
There are those who say that polarized lenses make them feel dizzy or disoriented. That is only caused by cheap distorted polarized lenses.
All parents need to know about this. So please like this post by clicking on the like (thumbs up) button below. That certainly will help more people see this important information. Thanks.
Want high quality kids polarized sunglasses. Just follow the links.
If you are looking for the very best baby or kids polarized sunglasses. You certainly cannot buy better than our PC polarized range. Available in these terrific models: Baby Wrapz, Baby Wrapz 2 or Tiny tots I – IE1027SR, IE5630 or Tiny tots II – IE1027MR, IE5635, IE88 and IE532. Check them out.
Don’t miss the latest sunglasses “WARNINGS” on this page. They will save your child’s eyesight.
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If you have any questions about buying the correct sunglasses for your baby and kids. Or any other questions please contact us via: https://idoleyes.com.au/contact-us/
One thing that sets us apart from our competitors. Is our sunglasses testing procedure. Here you will see just how comprehensive our testing is.
Firstly we make sure our sunglasses exceed all international sunglasses standards. Why? So we can give you the features. That we know are extremely important for children’s sunglasses.
Features like lenses that have full *100% UV protection between 200Nm to 400Nm. Because children’s eyes do not filter UV rays like adult’s eyes. (Note: UVC between 100Nm to 280Nm is totally absorbed by the earth’s atmosphere). Plus a true G-15 lens colour. Because this is the only lens colour that has no loss in clarity or colour distortion. Even for colour blind kids. And we only use impact resistant A-grade polycarbonate lenses. For the very best eye protection of little kids.
Our sunglasses testing procedure 📝🕶️
Drop ball lens test
You can see just how impact resistant our lenses are with this drop ball lens test in the following video. Do not blink or you will miss the steel ball being shot into the lens. To pass this test the lens must not crack or break and the lens must stay firmly fixed in the frame.
Drop ball test.
Safe Durable materials
We do test all of the materials used in the making our sunglasses so we are confident they are non-toxic. Why? Because we know babies will always start chewing on them. Then we only use materials tested to take all of the punishment kids will hand out. So that you will receive real value for money.
Cross-cut test
There is absolutely no sacrifice in style either. For example we make some really pretty girls models. That are print with roses and other flower designs then heat transfer on to the frames. We know the frames and dyes used in the printing are all non-toxic. But babies should not eat this printed material if it peels off. Therefore these sunglasses are subjected to a cross-cut test so we are confident it will not peel. Please note this cross-cut test is not an international sunglasses standard. But we consider this to be important. You can see the cross-cut test on our baby sunglasses in the following video.
Cross cut test.
Our sunglasses testing procedure – Impact test
The following impact test. Is not a part of any international sunglasses standard test. But this test is conducted because we want our sunglasses frames to be break proof. And we also do not want the lenses to pop out of the frame. So to perform this test we drop a one kilogram steel block from a height of 100mm onto the frame. This then gives us the confidence to giving you our three year guarantee.
top – Impact testbottom – Impact testImpact test
Torque test
On both of our Baby and Tiny Tots range of sunglasses we carry out a torque test. To perform this test. We rotate the temples to 90 degrees with each other both clockwise and anti-clockwise. This test is perform over 100 cycles. The frame only passes if it does not break or the lenses do not pop out. Please note this torque test is not an international sunglasses standard test. You can see how this test is done in the following pictures.
1 – Torque test2 – Torque testTorque test
Oven aging test
In the real world sunglasses might be left on the dashboard of a car in the midday summer sun. So we do this oven aging test in an oven set at 70 degrees over a 7 day period. Then these sunglasses are inspected for blemishes and flaws. Before we subject them to many further tests. Please note this oven ageing test is not a an international sunglasses standard test. But we want our sunglasses to last so they give you real value for money.
Oven aging test
Conclusion on our sunglasses testing procedure
Our sunglasses are subjected to numerous additional tests. But we must keep some secrets from our competitors. It is our 73 years of optical experience. Plus our sunglasses testing procedures. That makes us the world’s best baby and kids sunglasses manufacturer.
As you can see from our testing procedures. We really put our sunglasses under many different harsh conditions. Because we know that some kids will put them under similar stress.
Other brands and our sunglasses testing procedure
When we do test other brands and non-branded sunglasses. We still see many sunglasses. That do not pass the compulsory international sunglasses standards. And when testing these sunglasses to our standards. Most sunglasses fail all or the majority of the tests. With only a very small number of brands passing or coming close.
It’s this extra attention to detail. That makes us the leading supplier of high quality baby and kids sunglasses in the world. We know your kids deserve the best?
If you are ready to buy the best baby or kids sunglasses that will truly save sight. Without a ridiculously high price, then take a look at our online shop.
Don’t miss the latest sunglasses “WARNINGS” on this page. They will save your child’s eyesight.
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If you have any questions about buying the correct sunglasses for your baby and kids. Or any other questions please contact us via: https://idoleyes.com.au/contact-us/
Today many well-meaning mums and dads are selling baby and children’s sunglasses. They normally fall in love with the cuteness of the product. Unfortunately with little or no optical knowledge. They make fatal mistakes in their frame designs and lens quality. Subsequently if your children wear these dangerous kids sunglasses. They can end up with serious eye damage leading to blindness. This blog will help you to save the sight of your kids. By pointing out what to look for in dangerous kids sunglasses.
Why you should never buy “toy sunglasses”? 👎
Note: Toy sunglasses are not covered by any sunglasses standards. So, toy sunglasses do not have to comply. Furthermore these toys do not require any UV protection. Also the lens material used in these toy sunglasses is soft and distorted. Subsequently these lenses do scratch easily. Thereby causing blurry vision. And scratched lenses also cause the eye muscle (ciliary muscle). To constantly work to correct the distortion or scratch. Of course this blurred vision caused by the scratched lens is impossible to fix. And this constant over use of the ciliary muscle. Leads to the early wearing of prescription glasses.
Why you should avoid dangerous kids sunglasses with polarized lenses? 😢🕶️
Many children’s sunglasses brands try to improve their image by using polarized lenses. But to keep the price down they resort to using really bad TAC acetate film. These cheap, soft polarized lenses do scratch really easy. As well these thin lenses do distort the polarized film. Consequently many customers report that these lenses cause them headaches and eye fatigue. Also due to the distortion and low quality polarized sheet material used. These lenses only cut as little as 30% of the reflected glare. Worse still the distortion from these lenses leads to major non-reversible eye damage. There after requiring prescription glasses to see.
Why you should avoid dangerous kids sunglasses with CAT 4 lenses without side shields? 👎🕶️
Due to a fatal error within the European EN ISO 12312-1:2013+A1:2015 sunglasses standard. Some CAT 4 sunglasses without side shields will cause major eye problems. Leading to blindness.
In the EN standard section 11.2 it specifies the Temporal Protective Requirements. Or side shields for cat # 4 very dark special purpose sunglasses. Adult’s sunglasses that include cat # 4 lenses. Do have the side shields sizes and positioning specified. But children’s sunglasses that include cat # 4 lenses. For some unknown reason have been neglected. Having no side shields sizes and positioning included. Only adding the following note. “Note. Children benefit from sunglasses with temporal protection. But in the absence of data, no dimensions are published in this edition of the standard.”
Some European brands have also misinterpreted this note. Thinking it means. Children’s sunglasses with cat # 4 lenses do not need temporal or side shields. This is totally incorrect. So it should have stated. That “in the absence of data, scale the dimensions to suit“. But in truth the data should have been included. Thereby making it clearly understood. That children’s sunglasses with cat # 4 lenses do indeed require temporal protection.
Darker lenses does not mean better quality
Many European brands also promote the myth. That the higher the category number or (CAT #) the better the quality.This is indeedfalse. The category number or (CAT #) is only meant to indicate the intended use for that lens shade. Category numbers or (CAT #) are as follows in the chart:
Filter category
Description of filter category
0
Fashion spectacles; not sunglasses; very low sun-glare reduction; some UV protection; clear or very light tint
1
Fashion spectacles; not sunglasses; limited sun-glare reduction; some UV protection; light tint
2
Sunglasses; medium sun-glare reduction; good UV protection; medium tint
3
Sunglasses; high sun-glare reduction; good UV protection; dark tint
4
Sunglasses; special purpose; very high sun-glare reduction; good UV protection; must not be used when driving; very dark tint
Categories of lens filters
Cat # 0 and 1 are not sunglasses, as you can see from the chart. Therefore they should never be purchased for your children. As these lenses have no sun-glare protection and only limited UV protection.
Cat # 2 lenses should be avoided. As the lenses are still to light to give good sun-glare protection and only limited UV protection.
Cat # 3 lenses for everyday use. This is our recommendation.
What to look for in dangerous kids sunglasses
Cat # 4 lenses are for special purpose use only. The intended uses of these lenses are for skiing or also mountaineering. Or where there are excessive amounts of sun-glare. That require very dark tinted lenses. Also these sunglasses do need compulsory side shields.
These lenses are really dark and only allow between 3% and 8% of light to pass. This causes the pupil to dilate (open). And if these sunglasses do not have any side shields. Then the UV radiation enters into a wide open eye causing blindness. Furthermore if your toddler wears these very dark lenses for normal everyday use. They will be unable to see clearly.
Dangerous CAT 4 lens with no side shields
This photo is of a child wearing a European brand of sunglasses with cat # 4 lenses and no side shields. You can clearly see just how narrow the temples or arms are. Therefore offering limited side protection from UV rays entering a wide open eye. This model can also be warn upside down. Subsequently his leaves a large gap above the bridge or nose. Therefore allowing UV rays to enter a wide open eye.
If your child or children have a pair of these extremely dangerous kids sunglasses. With cat # 4 lenses and no side shields. Please stop using them. They will only cause major eye problems that will lead to blindness. And never use them on the snow fields or your child will suffer from snow blindness.
Why you should avoid both the EN and USA standards in regard to UV protection? 👎🇪🇺👎🇺🇸
Both the EU and USA sunglasses standards. Incorrectly classify UV radiation from 100Nm to 380Nm. The correct UV range is 100Nm to 400Nm. Therefore UV rays between 380nm to 400nm is missing. This missing 20nm actually accounts for 40% of the total UVA radiation. So, when they claim 100% UV protection that simply is not true.
Why is this such a big problem for young kids? Because when the eye is in the dark, like behind a sunglasses lens the pupil will dilate (open). Allowing UV to enter a wide open eye. And as young kids eyes don’t filter UV as well as an adult’s eye. The UV radiation can pass all the way to the retina causing problems. Consequently for babies and kids. Both of these standards are just not good enough.
Some European and USA brands have seen this problem of the missing 20nm of UV rays. And then claim their lenses are UV400 or 100% UVA or 100% UVA and B. None of this type of labeling is mentioned in any sunglasses standards so the claims are not checked. And my concerns are:
If the lenses are UV400. At what level of UV do these lenses start cutting UV light?
And if the lenses are 100% UVA. What about UVB?
Remember babies need total UV protection. As they have no chromophores in the eyes that protectively absorbs harmful UV rays. So whenever possible only buy Australian standard sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Always avoid both the EU and USA sunglasses for all children under 10 years old.
Myths about sunglasses. – As seen on many websites by those with no experience in optics.
All sunglasses will protect eyes. No, totally false. Some will actually harm eyes and lead to blindness.
All sunglasses must pass compulsory world sunglasses standards. True. But all the sunglasses standards are self regulated. And to save money a staggering 90% of cheap brands are never tested before going to market. Our testing shows a large proportion of these sunglasses do not comply. The authorities who do random in store checks. Don’t even have the necessary testing equipment. So they can only check if the correct labeling is applied. Unfortunately having the correct label does not always mean the sunglasses are safe.
All parents need to know about this. So please like this post by clicking on the like (thumbs up) button below. That certainly will help more people see this important information. Thanks.
Buy quality kids sunglasses at our online shop 🛍️🕶️
If you are ready to buy the best baby or kids sunglasses that will truly save sight. Without a ridiculously high price, then take a look at our online shop.
Don’t miss the latest sunglasses “WARNINGS” on this page. They will save your child’s eyesight.
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Recently I have received many emails. Asking for more information about “How UV damages eyes”. Luckily there has been a lot of scientific study on this topic.
However this main point remains true. The only way to protect the eyes from harmful UV radiation. Is by wearing good quality sunglasses from birth.
How UV damages eyes 🎓👀
The human eye is extremely sensitive to light (i.e., visible radiant energy). When the eye has adapted to the dark the retina can detect only a few photons of blue-green light. Therefore ocular tissues are certainly more vulnerable to ultraviolet damage than the skin.
To protect the eyes. Humans have evolved with certain anatomical, physiological, and behavioral traits. This does give some degree of protection when we are outdoors during daylight. Especially from the intense overhead solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). For example, the UV exposure threshold dose. For photo-keratitis (“welder’s flash” or “snow blindness”). Would be reached in less than 10 minutes around midday in the summer sun. If measured as falling on a horizontal ground surface.
How UV damages eyes – what parts of the eye are affected? 👁️
UV rays – eye transmission and absorption, all ages
Diagram 1 shows how the cornea transmits radiant energy from 295nm and above. Therefore the cornea absorbs all UV below 295nm. The cornea also absorbs 92% of UV radiation at 300nm and 37% of UV from 340nm to 360nm. All of this absorbed UV in the cornea shows how UV damages eyes. And causes pterygium, actinic & droplet keratites plus pinguecula.
The aqueous humor then absorbs some UV before reaching the lens. The crystalline lens absorbs almost all incident energy wavelengths. Of 300nm to nearly 400nm. All of this absorbed UV in the lens shows how UV damages eyes. And causes cataracts plus hardening and yellowing of the lens.
But a very small amount of UV-A does reach the retina in youth. Note the lens becomes more absorbing with age. Thus, there are intraocular filters. That effectively filter different parts of the UV spectrum. This then allows in the order of 1% or less to actually reach the retina. Except in children under 9 years. Even so, this small fraction of energy (if photo-toxic) is still of concern.
Finally, oblique rays entering the eye from the temporal side. Can actually reach the equatorial (germinative) area of the lens.
Diagram 1. UV absorption within an eye
UV rays – eye transmission and absorption, ages under 9 years
Diagram 2 clearly displays that for children under 9 years old between 2 to 5%* of UV rays at 320nm reach the retina. While for older age groups none of these more dangerous UV rays reach the retina. *Note the large variation of 2 to 5% UV rays at 320nm reaching the retina. This is due to the large variation of age in this group. Roughly babies will have 5% of UV rays reaching the retina. While a 9 year old will receive 2%. From 10 years of age this 1 to 2% of UV rays above 340nm still reaching the retina will diminish to 1% by age 30. And less than 1% by 60 to 70 years.
Diagram 2. UV + visible light absorption within an eye of children below 9 years
UV rays – eye transmission and absorption, ages 10 years to young adult
Diagram 3 indicates for people aged 10 until young adulthood. That very little UV is reaching the retina. So vision should be good. But around 48% of UV rays from 320nm to 400nm are still entering the lens of the eye. These UV rays reaching the lens of the eye do cause cataracts, hardening and yellowing of the lens. So for adults 40 to 45 years old. They do start having problems focusing that leads to prescription eyewear.
Diagram 3. UV + visible light absorption within an eye of 10 years to young adult
UV rays – eye transmission and absorption, ages 60 – 70 years
In Diagram 4 (age 60-70) there are clear signs of UV damage and yellowing of the cornea. With the lens now restricting the amount of visible light reaching the retina. Visible light at 400nm has gone from 15% down to 1%. And visible light at 460nm has gone down from 65% down to 40%. This makes seeing in the dark harder. Resulting in the need for really bright lights to read.
Diagram 4. UV + visible light absorption within an eye of 60 -70 years adult
How UV energy is absorbed – the magic of the chromophore
For optical radiation to have an effect on matter. The radiation needs to be absorbed. i.e.the radiant energy needs to be transferred to the material in which the effect is to occur.
Two main mechanisms can be distinguished. Through which the absorbed radiant energy can take effect:
a) Heat: radiant energy is converted into molecular motion (kinetic energy). Such as vibration, rotation and translation. Thus the temperature is increased (photo-thermal effect). Here the radiant energy (measured in Joules, J) absorbed per unit time (s) in a certain volume determines the rise in temperature. i.e. the absorbed radiant power (J/s = Watt, W) per unit volume (m3) or the (specific) absorption rate (W/m3) is the determining factor. (Next to how fast the absorbing volume is cooled by heat exchange with its environment).
b) Photo-chemistry: radiant energy can cause excitation of atoms or molecules. Thereby moving the outermost (valence) electrons to higher orbital energy levels. This energy can subsequently be utilized in (photo-) chemical reactions. And therefore yielding “photo-products”. The radiation needs to be within a certain wavelength range (the “absorption band”). For the excitation to take place. As the radiant energy is absorbed in discrete quanta, “photons”. Which must match the energy required for the excitation. The (part of the) molecule that absorbs the radiation is dubbed the chromophore.
Chromophores and their absorption bands. (adapted from Jagger 1967)
Of the three types of optical radiation. UV radiation is photo-chemically the most active (the photons carry the highest energy). And it is absorbed by certain common chromophores in organic molecules (e.g. C=O, C=S and aromatic rings. The latter are abundantly present in DNA (Figure 1)). Clearly light is also photo-chemically active in the eye. Visual perception starts with the photo-isomerisation of opsin proteins (in G-protein coupled receptors which trigger the neural signalling).
How UV damages eyes, conclusion 🕶️
It is an accumulation of small amounts of damage over many years that causes the majority of UV damage to eyes. But you can eliminate your chance of getting UV related eye diseases. Simply by wearing a good quality, close fitting pair of sunglasses. With 100% UV protection when outdoors. And yes this does work. I do know of people in their seventies. Who have protected their eyes with sunglasses every-time they are outdoors. And whose eyes show no signs of UV related ageing. Thereby retaining 20/20 vision so they don’t even need prescription eyewear to see.
PS. After reading this post you can understand. To avoid blindness the eyes do everything they possibly can. By absorbing UV rays so the UV does not reach the retina. But this does come at a cost which I have just gone through.
The absorption of UV rays by the chromophores in the vitreous. Does break down the normal jelly like structure into a liquid. Therefore indeed starts a “vitreous detachment“. In detail this happens when the vitreous pulls away from the retina. This can also cause the retina to tear with possible loss of sight in some people. This does starts to occur in adult’s at 50 years plus. So as someone who wore sunglasses regularly (but not while surfing). I was lucky to have an extra 10+ years before this happened to me. So follow this easy advice.
The only way to avoid UV rays from damaging your eyes when your outside in the sun. Is to simply wear a good quality pair of sunglasses from birth.
If you are ready to buy the best baby or kids sunglasses. That will truly save sight. Without a ridiculously high price, then take a look at our online shop.
References:
European Commission: SCENIHR
Sliney 2002
Jagger 1967
All parents need to know about this. So please like this post by clicking on the like (thumbs up) button below. That certainly will help more people see this important information. Thanks.
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At a recent baby expo a young mother told me she will only buy cheap sunnies for her children. Her reasoning was that all sunnies must pass the compulsory sunglasses standards. And therefore they are all the same. And as her children are rough they will only break them. So, in theory all sunnies should be good. But in reality that is far from the truth. Here we will teach you about sunglasses the good and the bad.
It is incorrect to believe that all sunnies are the same. What she did not realize. Is that all world sunglasses standards are only the minimum requirements needed. So that no major harm occurs instantly to the eyes. (Maximum protection to protect eyes is not a requirement). So many sunnies that pass world standards. Can still cause trouble leading to blindness. And many sunnies simply do not comply. (See our latest sunglasses “WARNINGS” on this page).
Harmful kids sunglasses now flooding the market.
Unethical businesses have worked out a way to make total crap lenses that certainly will harm your child’s eyesight. And definitely will lead to blindness. How did this happen? Especially when here in Australia we have the world’s very best sunglasses standard. Simple. The standard was written by ethical people who who would never have thought that someone would want to harm children. By making really soft distorted lenses. Therefore no sunglasses standard in the world mentions or bands this crap.
So now your kids certainly are at risk, especially if you already own this rubbish or are about to unwittingly buy this crap.
UV protection limitations
Even the world’s strictest sunglasses standard, AS/NZS 1067.1:2016 from Australia. Can have as low as 0% UVA protection depending on the lens category. And general purpose sunnies with category #3 lenses. Can pass the standard with only 91% UVA protection as the following table shows. Note, that both the EU and USA standards are worse as they neglect all UVA radiation from 380nm to 400nm. So always avoid both the EU and USA sunglasses in Australia and overseas. Especially for young children.
Lens category
Visible light transmission %
UVB % 280nm – 315nm
UVA % 315nm – 400 nm
0
100 – 80
95 – 96
0 – 20
1
80 – 43
96 – 97.85
20 – 57
2
43 – 18
97.85 – 99.1
57 -82
3
18 – 8
99.1 – 99.6
91 – 96
4
8 – 3
99.6 – 99.85
96 – 98.5
The figures represent the UV protection as a percentage. The range occurs due to the lens darkness within each lens category. (The darker the lens the higher the UV protection).
Note: Please don’t presume that darker lenses automatically cut more UV radiation. It is possible to make a CAT #4 lens with no UV protection. This type of lens will only lead to blindness.
For young children. The minimum UV requirements are just not good enough to give maximum protection. The problem is sunglasses lenses are dark and this causes the pupil to dilate or open. And any UV rays that pass the lens then enters into a wide open eye. Therefore to stop nasty UV related eye diseases at a young age. Total UV protection is needed. Eye diseases like cataracts, pterygium, actinic & droplet keratites, pinguecula and macular degeneration. See why in this blog: How UV damages eyes.
Easily broken sunglasses permitted 🕶️👎
What this mum also did not realise. Is that currently there are no requirements for manufacturers. To use materials that will not break easily or lenses that scratch. And cheap materials do break and scratch. I have even seen sunnies at discount stores, markets and pharmacies. Broken while on display even before kids wear them.
Note that scratched lenses are extremely bad for the eyes as they cause a blur in the vision. And whenever a blur occurs in the vision the brain sends a small signal to the eyes ciliary muscle to adjust. Of course the blur remains so more signals are resent. Once the small ciliary muscle wears out you have no choice but to wear prescription glasses.
So, yes some kids are rougher than others but giving them sunnies that break easily will not help. She may as well just put her money in the bin. Because that is where these so-called cheap sunnies will be in short time. Saving her nothing in the long run and even worse they will damage her child’s eyes.
Lens colour, no requirements
In all world sunglasses standards. There are also no requirements on lens colour and this is a critical misstep. (The reason for no lens colour requirements for young children’s sunnies. Is due to the original standards being written. Before we made the world’s first baby sunglasses in 1987. Kids sunnies were included in later editions of the standard. But with no additional requirements that are essential, like lens colour).
Sunglasses the good and the bad. This girl is wearing really bad sunglasses. Caused by the lens colour being way to pale to give proper protection. As can be seen by the way she is squinting.
We know that 10% of boys and 2% of girls are colour blind. And the incorrect coloured lens for these kids only compounds the problem. Many parents will be quick to say that their child is not colour blind. But unless you have had them tested there is no other way to know.
Only one colour lens gives maximum clarity and glare protection. In addition to being safe for colour blind kids. This is the G-15 lens, and you should only buy sunnies with these lenses for your children. “G” for neutral green and 15 for 15% light transmission. Which falls under category #3 general purpose sunglasses.
Unfortunately the two most commonly used lens colours in sunnies are grey and brown. Grey is never great for clarity and affects some colour blind kids. And brown is reasonable for clarity but useless for glare protection. And adversely effects the largest number of colour blind kids.
Sunglasses the good and the bad
So how do you buy a good quality pair of sunnies that will protect eyesight. That will last without breaking easily and not cost a fortune?
Firstly don’t rely on review sites. They certainly don’t know what they are talking about when it comes to optics. And we have read some real rubbish on these sites. Secondly they only review products that pay them a commission or fee. And we certainly do not waste your money on these junk reviews. That’s why you never see our products on these review sites. Instead we give you high quality sunglasses. At or below the cost of our competitors cheap junk from China.
Instead try reading. Our Critical points to look for when buying baby – toddler sunglasses this will help. But buying sunnies is a difficult thing to get right. We do test many branded and non-branded sunglasses. And only a small number pass what we classify as good quality.
Our recommendation – Sunglasses the good and the bad 🕶️👍
I can say with certainty that only Idol Eyes Australia has made baby sunglasses since 1987. When we made the world’s first baby sunglasses. We also have a history in optics starting in 1950. Currently we have sunglasses for every stage of your child’s growth from 0 yrs to late teens. And our sunglasses are always reasonably priced. So every child will be properly protected.
We do receive many reviews from happy customers from all around the world. Saying that they only trust the Idol Eyes Australia brand. And they continue to buy our sunglasses as their children grow into that next size. Or for more kids as their family grows. We are also grateful for the many customers who have recommend our products. To their family and friends.
At a baby expo in Brisbane we had a new mum come to our stand with her daughter in a pram wearing a pair of our baby sunglasses. The baby looked really cute. I was then told by the mum that the sunglasses were the pair that she wore when she was a baby. Now that really is high praise.
Myths about sunglasses. – As seen on many websites by those with no experience in optics.
All sunglasses will protect eyes. No, totally false. Some will actually harm eyes and lead to blindness.
All sunglasses must pass compulsory world sunglasses standards. True. But all the sunglasses standards are self regulated. And to save money a staggering 90% of cheap brands are never tested before going to market. Our testing shows a large proportion of these sunglasses do not comply. The authorities who do random in store checks don’t even have the testing equipment. So they can only check if the correct labeling is applied. Unfortunately having the correct label does not always mean the sunglasses are safe.
All parents need to know about this. So please like this post by clicking on the like (thumbs up) button below. That certainly will help more people see this important information. Thanks.
If you are ready to buy the best the best baby or kids sunglasses. That will truly save sight. Without a ridiculously high price, then take a look at our online shop.
Don’t miss the latest sunglasses “WARNINGS” on this page. They will save your child’s eyesight.
We do use RSS feeds to protect our copyright blogs.
If you have any questions about buying the correct sunglasses for your baby and kids. Or any other questions please contact us via: https://idoleyes.com.au/contact-us/
Currently 1 in 7 adults over 50 years old are classified as legally blind in Australia. Worse still 70% of adults over 65 are legally blind and mainly from UV related eye diseases. Unfortunately similar statistics do occur in other countries. Prams are a major cause of this devastating catastrophe. Please read on to find out how prams harm eyes and what you can do to avoid this from happening to your baby.
Firstly we know that babies do not have the same UV protection in their eyes like adults. You can read all about this in our blog: How UV damages eyes. Just watch a baby in the sun. Unlike adults they never squint. Instead they close their eyes tightly but the UV passes thru the thin eyelid. And hits the lens of the eye which focuses the UV onto the retina. Causing a painful burning sensation that babies hate. So then they squirm around trying to hide from the sun. Intensive studies shows this causes babies when they do grow up. To get eye diseases like. cataracts, pterygium, actinic & droplet keratites, pinguecula and macular degeneration.
How prams harm eyes 👁️⚠️
Do prams really harm eyes?
Yes. And this is the reason why. As adult’s we walk around looking down while we place babies in a pram looking up at the sun. To make matters worse we then place a hood around the babies head that works like a solar collector. Our testing on prams has shown the baby can receive up to 3 times the UV radiation in a pram when the hood is used.
Even when they get a little older. And are sitting up in a pram they can receive up to 3 times more UV rays in a pram than an adult standing up. Especially if the pram is low to the ground and facing forward. Even bringing the cover or hood over, only makes it worse. UV rays do bounce of hard surfaces like asphalt, concrete or even water. These rays then get trapped under the hood. And due to the curved shape of most covers the UV rays concentrate on the babies head like a solar collector. This certainly is how prams harm eyes.
Showing how UV rays get trapped under the hood. And due to the curved shape of most covers the UV rays do concentrate on the babies head like a solar collector.
How to avoid it from happening to your baby
So what should you look for in a pram that will give the best possible UV protection for your baby’s eyes.
a high pram – to stop UV from bouncing up off the ground and into the pram.
a large hood – to stop the sun’s rays from entering into the pram.
have the pram reversed as often as possible. So when you are pushing the pram you can use your body to shelter the baby from the opposite side to the hood. Thereby stopping the UV from entering into the hood.
use only a matt black coloured interior pram hood. This will definitely reflect less sunlight into your babies eyes. Please don’t choose white, grey or light colours.
and when your toddler is sitting in a pram facing forward. You should also have an extra UV protective shade cloth draping down the front. Not too dark so they can still see out.
also wearing good quality sunglasses when in the pram. Will eliminate even more UV rays from damaging your baby’s eyes.
Simply by following these tips. You will reduce the chance of your child ending up with unwanted UV related eye disease. Diseases like cataracts, pterygium, actinic & droplet keratites. Plus pinguecula and macular degeneration, leading to blindness later in life.
How prams harm eyes
Please help us save sight 🆘👁️
Now that you know how prams harm eyes. Please share this information with family and friends with babies. So we can finally rid this problem for good.
And certainly if you are looking for the very best baby sunglasses to wear in a pram. Then take a look at our Premy Wrapz, Baby Wrapz and Baby Wrapz 2. Designed specifically to offer the very best UV protection both in and out of a pram. 🕶️👍
All parents need to know about this. So please like this post by clicking on the like (thumbs up) button below. That certainly will help more people see this important information. Thanks.
Don’t miss the latest sunglasses “WARNINGS” on this page. They will save your child’s eyesight.
We do use RSS feeds to protect our copyright blogs.
If you have any questions about buying the correct sunglasses for your baby and kids. Or any other questions please contact us via: https://idoleyes.com.au/contact-us/
Today we are all obsessed with mobile devices. And for good reasons. They inform us. And certainly entertain us. More importantly they keep us in touch with family and friends. And the list just goes on. Their is a problem however. Optometrists are seeing an alarming number of people with severe eye problems. Caused by these devices. So we know that mobile devices damage eyes. But is it avoidable.
The danger of mobile devices to eyes
Mobile devices damage eyes 📱☹️👀
Do mobile devices damage eyes?
Yes. Certainly a large number of optometrists are seeing toddlers as young as 4 and 5 years old. With eye strain and early on-set myopia. Caused by many hours of prolonged use on mobile phones and tablets. So mobile devices damage eyes.
The severe eye problems caused by these devices. Has prompted the optical profession to research this topic. In turn revealing some really horrible statistics. Showing that if the trend continues at the current rate. Up to half the world’s population could be blind with myopia by 2050. In 2000 roughly 25 percent of the world’s population had myopia. A preventable condition that could occur to you or your children.
Myopia or “shortsightedness” is commonly seen in Asian countries. Where children spend comparatively more time using close ranged vision. This is a growing epidemic that was hardly ever seen in Australia. And other western countries. And overlaps with the recent trend of mobile devices becoming the new “shut-up toy”. Something to keep the kids quiet so Mum and Dad can get some peace and quiet.
So what is myopia and why is it a problem ❓😦
Myopia or shortsightedness is a common vision condition. In which you can see objects near to you clearly. But object further away are blurry. It has been shown to occur due to focusing too long on very close objects. Or a lack of sunlight during the early growing years. Plus other factors like genetics. It has always been a progressive eye problem. Meaning it continues to get worse. Until it is impossible to make a corrective lens with enough power to help the patient see. Leading to blindness.
So, mobile devices damage eyes. How do you prevent this 📱❓
We all know that it would be impossible to live in today’s world without these devices. Due to the benefits they bring. Even for toddlers and kids. But as a parent with the knowledge that these devices do cause major eye problems. It is up to you to set limits on how long they are used.
I suggest that everyone (including adults). Spends no longer than 10 minutes using these devices and then 10 minutes off. The 10 minutes off does not mean you go from the phone to the tablet or vice versa. This time would preferably be spent outdoors. Looking far into the distance to relax the strained eye muscle. Surely not too tall an order. When you know it could save you or your child’s eye sight.
Solutions to correct myopia currently 👍
Currently there is no cure. (Update: New prescription lenses with small circular flaws are now available. And have proved well in slowing the progression or also fixing the problem of myopia. Also new contact lenses designed for children. If worn from a young age are showing excellent results. In slowing or stopping the progression of myopia. See your local optometrist for details.) Also available is laser surgery – keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Both change the shape of the cornea to better focus light on the retina. Note that children are normally limited to prescription glasses or contact lenses only.
What is the future
(See above: Solutions to correct myopia currently.) For those who cannot be without their devices for even a minute and possibly end up with myopia. There are many universities, scientists and optical professionals. All working to find solutions to this problem with some promising early work.
In Hong Kong where myopia has been a problem for some time. They have created special contact lenses. With small circular flaws that helps to retrain the eyes. Also in a university in Israel they are working on using a mobile phone with a special app. To take a photo of the eye which then calculates where the problems need fixing. A dye is placed on the eye were the correction is needed. Then a solution is dropped on to the eye and adheres to the dye. Making a temporary correction that fixes the problem.
Better still try to prevent this from happening in the first place. And now that you know this can happen please pass the information on so you can also help others.
All parents need to know about this. So please like this post by clicking on the like (thumbs up) button below. That certainly will help more people see this important information. Thanks.
Don’t miss the latest sunglasses “WARNINGS” on this page. They will save your child’s eyesight.
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This blog will teach you how to protect your baby and kids eyes. From harmful UV radiation by buying high quality sunglasses. Sunglasses what is best and why?
Sunglasses what is best and why? 🕶️🆗
Frames for sunglasses what is best and why?
The frames are a vitally important part of sunglasses. Especially for babies and children. Besides looking great. Good eye coverage is a truly critical point so they will offer maximum UV protection. And as toddlers will always test their strength. They also must be able to handle the punishment that will come their way. In addition babies love comfort. Therefore the frame material must be comfortable. Likewise they must be comfortable on little noses. For this reason they must be light-weight. And this is just some of the criteria we have to consider each time we design a new sunglasses frame.
The frame material
We have more than 35 years experience in making baby sunglasses. And even longer making prescription eyewear. During this time. We have tried all types of materials for the frames. But due to our strict requirements. Only a small number of materials pass our standards. However, these material do allow us to give you our legendary 3-year guarantee. The material list is:
Baby sunglasses – Rubber or rubber like materials. These materials are super comfortable and virtually unbreakable. But with the addition of headband. This will keep them in place. And consequently this also helps to contour the frame to the shape of the face. Thereby protecting the eyes. By eliminating all UV rays from entering from around the side of the frame.
Toddler sunglasses – Rubber or impact resistant polycarbonate. Rubber has all the benefits mentioned above. While polycarbonate is 10 times more impact resistant than plastic. This material is used in banks for its bullet proof qualities. It is also light-weight. And therefore very comfortable to wear. Plus, it is easily painted or printed. Making it a perfect material for sunglasses.
Kids sunglasses – Polycarbonate or optical quality steel. Polycarbonate has all the benefits mentioned above. While optical quality steel has real strength. That will hold its shape. This then allows us to make adult metal styles for kids. Like aviators or club-masters.
Sunglasses what is best? 🕶️❓
Lenses for sunglasses what is best and why?
The lenses are a vitally important part of kids sunglasses. They need to cut 100% UV radiation and also be impact resistant in case of falls. The lens colour is also very important so they are safe for all kids including those who are colour blind. They must also be highly scratch resistant. As scratched lenses certainly do harm eyes.
To start we only use A-grade impact resistant polycarbonate lenses. Why? Firstly, because polycarbonate lenses offer great UV protection. Secondly, they will take all the punishment kids will give sunglasses. And therefore this gives you great value for money. But please. Only A-grade lenses.
How A-grade lenses are made
What is an A-grade lens? To start you must understand how a lens is made. To make a good quality lens. You begin by making a round blank lens from “virgin” polycarbonate.
lens blanks. in different colours
The polycarbonate material commences as small pellets. These small pellets are heated in an injection moulding machine until molten. Then forced into the lens mould to make a blank lens. During the cooling process. Distortion occurs at the outer edge of the lens due to “shrinkage”. When the round blank lens is cut into the shape of the frame all of this distortion is then cut off. This first lens is distortion free and classed as A-grade.
G-15 lens, cut into shape
The waste material from A-grade lenses should always be sent to a waste recycling plant. Why? Because polycarbonate does not recycle well. Therefore more lenses should never be made from this material.
How lower B-grade lenses are made 🕶️👎
Some unscrupulous companies hoping to make a higher profit. Do make more lenses from this recycled waste material. This second made lens is classed as B-grade. Furthermore, I have heard that the waste material from this B-grade lens. Is recycled again to make a C-grade lens. And recycled yet again to make D-grade lenses. Recycling does sound great. Right? But it is important to note that polycarbonate is indeed extremely impact resistant. Consequently the additional heating and cooling during the injection process. Makes the lens extremely brittle.
Why you should avoid low quality B, C or D grade lenses
It is most important when fitting the lenses into the sunglasses frame. That there is a slight interference. This interference prevents the lenses from popping out of the frame.
But due to the curve on high quality lenses. The pressure from the frame. Therefore causes different forces on the concave and convex curves of the lens. Namely these forces are compression on the inside curve of the lens. And torsion on the outside curve of the lens. As stated B-grade lenses are extremely brittle. Therefore these differing forces cause small web-like miniature cracks. All over the lens called “crazing“. This does occur over time. And you will see this lens crazing in certain light. Both C and D-grade lens can even show this “crazing” when new.
This lens crazing distorts vision and reflects shards of light into the eyes of the wearer. Making these sunglasses extremely uncomfortable and dangerous to wear.
The old saying. “You get what you pay for” is again true, but not always. Similarly, I have seen really expensive sunglasses “craze”. Normally this happens to brands. That have absolutely no knowledge of how sunglasses are made. They make a quick trip to some Asian factory. To buy sunglasses at the lowest price possible. Just so they can make a larger profit. Then they sell their really cheap low grade product at a high price. Therefore fooling you the consumer into believing the quality is good. So please be careful.
A simple hammer to test lens brittleness
This following video show the difference between a polycarbonate A-grade lens. Verses a polycarbonate B-grade lens. Note: that lower grade C or D lenses are even more brittle than B-grade lenses.
Lens Test: Polycarbonate (PC) A-grade VS. Polycarbonate (PC) B-grade lens.
Sunglasses what is best? 🕶️👍
Lens colour for sunglasses what is best and why?
The lenses colour is another truly important aspect. This determines what each lens will be used for. For example yellow lenses will enhance vision. While green lenses will subdue brightness.
In addition we know that 10% of boys and 2% of girls are colour blind. Consequently for these kids if you buy sunglasses with the incorrect coloured lenses. You will only compound the difficulties for them to distinguishing and learn colours.
So, unless your child has been tested for colour blindness. Or you simply want the best coloured lens to reduce glare and to not distort colour. Only one coloured lens will do this. That colour is G-15. G, for neutral green and 15, for 15% light transmittance. Why do we only recommend neutral green? Put simply this colour is in the middle of the visible light spectrum. As seen in the in the colour chart below. Thereby causing less distortion in all the colours of the rainbow.
visible light spectrum
For example, if you pick a lens colour in the lower end of the spectrum. Say a blue or a grey lens. These will distort colour in the higher end of the spectrum. Say red and yellow. Alternatively the same thing happens if you pick a lens colour in the higher end of the spectrum. Say a red or a yellow lens. These will distort colour in the lower end of the spectrum. Say blue or violet.
Lens UV protection, what is best and why?
Most importantly only buy sunglasses with *100% UV protection. Especially for kids. Let me explain clearly. That means all UV rays between 200Nm to 400Nm.Not: – UV400, UVA, UVB, UVC or the USA and EU standard UV 200Nm to 380Nm. So always avoid both EU and USA sunglasses for children. *(Note: UVC from 100Nm to 280Nm is totally absorbed by the earth’s atmosphere). You can read more about UV protection here: The Reliable Truth, Sunglasses the good and the bad.
Please note: For young children. The minimum UV requirements in world sunglasses standards are not good enough. To give maximum protection. At this age to stop nasty UV related eye diseases total protection is needed. See why in this blog: The Reliable Truth, How UV damages eyes.
Lens category, what is best and why?
This refers to the darkness of the lens. And therefore indicates what the sunglasses intended use is. We highly recommend category 3 or cat #3 lenses for all general purpose sunglasses. Please see our earlier blog. The Reliable Truth, Dangerous Kids Sunglasses Do Cause blindness. This does go into depth about lens categories. With a chart of the different categories and their intended use. It also points out the dangers of buying sunglasses with the incorrect category. Additionally it also warns about sunglasses that are made incorrectly.
Sunglasses what is best – Conclusion
With the helpful information in this blog. You will now be able to buy sunglasses that will fit comfortably, last well and help protect eyes. Or you could buy high quality Idol Eyes Australia sunglasses. That have all these great features and are fully tested. You can see our testing procedure here. Our Comprehensive Sunglasses Testing Procedure Produces The Best Sunnies
All parents need to know about this. So please like this post by clicking on the like (thumbs up) button below. That certainly will help more people see this important information. Thanks.
If you are ready to buy the best baby or kids sunglasses that will truly save sight. Without a ridiculously high price, then take a look at our online shop.
Don’t miss the latest sunglasses “WARNINGS” on this page. They will save your child’s eyesight.
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Questions and Answers about kids sunnies and eyes ❓✔️😎👁️
Here you can find some common questions and answers about baby and kids sunnies and eyes. And subsequently learn how to protect little eyes. So your children can avoid UV radiation damage. If you have any questions about Q and A kid sunnies and eyes please leave them in the “Leave a comment” at the end of this blog.
Q1. I know Idol Eyes Australia’s guarantee is 3 years but company A and company B will even replace the glasses if lost or broken within 12 months. So why should I buy Idol Eyes Australia sunglasses?
Both company A and B buy really cheap sunglasses from China. Then they retail them for around the same price or more when compared to our Idol Eyes Australia sunglasses. So you as a customer are fooled into think they are high quality. Actually their sunglasses should really retail at or around 30% of the price they do sell them for.
As a result of their inflated price you are actually paying for three pair. Then they offer to replace the glasses if lost or broken within 12 months. Therefore at best you will receive two pair of inferior sunglasses. So where is your third pair? Please be aware it is a jungle out there and some businesses will take you for a fool.
Q2. When should my baby start wearing sunglasses? ❓👶🕶️
All babies should begin wearing good quality sunglasses from birth. Every time they go outside into the sun.
Baby girl wearing IE5630 baby pink with flower print sunglasses, adjustable headband included
You already know the benefits. That good quality sunglasses have in protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. And it is even more important that babies and kids are protected.
Babies are born with a limited number of special UV protective cells. These small cells within the eye are called chromophores. Just take note at the stress your baby endures when they are in the sun. Even when the babies eyelids are closed. The UV rays pass straight through the thin skin. The lens in their eye then focus the UV on to their retina. Which feels like a nasty burning sensation to your child’s eyes. This burning causes nasty eye diseases such as. cataracts, pterygium, actinic & droplet keratites, pinguecula and macular degeneration, leading to blindness.
These eye diseases do not occur instantly. But they are caused by an accumulation of small amounts of damage over many years. One in seven adults over 50 years of age is legally blind in Australia. And similar statistics occur world-wide. We know this is totally preventable. Just by wearing good quality sunglasses regularly from birth.
More Q and A kids sunnies and eyes
Q3. Is it true that babies should only wear sunglasses in the middle of a hot summer day?
False. To fully protect your babies eyes from harmful UV radiation sunglasses need to be worn all year. For example in mid-winter, early morning or late afternoon. The sun is much lower in the sky and is more direct to the eyes. This can cause just as much damage as the midday summer sun. So constant use of sunglasses all year will benefit your child’s eyes greatly.
Q4. Will any sunglasses that pass world standards (AUS/NZ, EU, USA) protect my babies eyes?
No. All 3 major world sunglasses standards are not the same. Here are some of the difference.
AUS/NZ sunglasses standard and kids sunnies and eyes ✔️🇦🇺🕶️
Only the AUS/NZ standard uses the correct UV radiation range from *200Nm to 400Nm. In both the EU and USA standard they use *200NM to 380Nm. As they believe the sun is not as strong in their regions as it is in Australia. The problem is the UV rays between 380Nm to 400Nm actually accounts for 40% of the total UVA radiation. So for babies without any chromophores in their eyes (like in adult’s eyes). They do require total 100% UV protection to guard against UV damage. So we highly recommend you to always avoid both EU and USA sunglasses for children.
*Important note: UVC between 100Nm and 280Nm is totally absorbed by the earth’s atmosphere.
EU sunglasses standard and kids sunnies and eyes 🇪🇺🕶️❌
The latest EU standard. Has a major error regarding temporal protection for children’s sunglasses. For all adults sunglasses (used for skiing and also mountaineering, etc.). With very dark CAT #4 lenses it is compulsory to have temporal protection (side protection). This helps to eliminate any UV rays from entering the eyes from the side causing snow blindness.
Kids sunnies and eyes have been neglected. With temporal protection requirements due to the error. Many European kids sunglasses brands that have CAT #4 lenses do not have side shields. For young children with a limited number of chromophores in their eyes. They simply don’t have the same protection against UV like adults. So, when they wear these very dark sunglasses the pupil dilates. And UV rays enters from the sides of the sunglasses. Thereby entering into wide open eyes. Leading to major eye problems later in life and also blindness.
All world sunglasses standards and kids sunnies and eyes
Not one world sunglasses standard requires the use of G-15 lens colour. The problem is 10% of boys and 2% of girls are colour blind. And using the incorrect colour lenses just compounds their problem. Only Idol Eyes Australia with over 73 years experience in optics. Fully understands the importance in making sunglasses that not only protect against UV radiation. But also do not cause problems for colour blind kids. Only a G-15 colour lens is safe for all children, colour blind or not.
Even more Q and A kids sunnies and eyes
Q5. As a young Asian mum my parents don’t recommend me to put sunglasses on my baby, are they correct?
I fully understand your parents concerns about kids sunnies and eyes. Many sunglasses made in Asia today and in the past do not comply with world standards. And in the past children wearing inferior sunglasses have had major UV damage. Caused to their eyes even blindness. As seen from question 4 above. Even today some sunglasses that do pass world standards can cause major problems.
So please follow our complete guide to buying quality children’s sunglasses. Critical points to look for when buying baby – toddler sunglasses. Or alternatively you can also use our free sunglasses checker on all brands. So that you can get sunglasses that will protect against harmful UV radiation damage. The alternative for your baby is to not wear good quality sunglasses from birth to protect the eyes. And this will only lead to the increased chance of UV related eye diseases or blindness later in life.
Q6. My baby will not wear sunglasses and just pulls them off. So how do I keep them on?
There are many reasons why a baby will pull the sunglasses off as follows.
Don’t use hard frames, they are uncomfortable and leave pressure marks on the face. Only use a soft rubber frame, as babies love to be comfortable.
Don’t use the sunglasses inside as the lenses are too dark to see clearly, worrying the baby.
Do start your baby wearing sunglasses at an early age. The later you leave it the longer it takes for your youngster to get use to wearing sunglasses.
Put your sunglasses on first as babies love to copy and always make it fun.
Babies do not understand the harm UV rays can do to their eyes. But if you place the sunglasses on them when they are in the sun. They quickly realize that they don’t have to suffer uncomfortable sunlight shining in their eyes.
All parents need to know about this. So please like this post by clicking on the like (thumbs up) button below. That certainly will help more people see this important information. Thanks.
If you are ready to buy the best baby or kids sunglasses that will truly save sight. Without a ridiculously high price, then take a look at our online shop.
Don’t miss the latest sunglasses “WARNINGS” on this page. They will save your child’s eyesight.
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People continually ask me. “If the blue light emitted from all modern-day LED devices is harmful to their eyes”. It is no wonder there is total confusion with so much miss-information. Mainly from companies and people. Trying to sell you blue light blocking products or medicines. Even amongst optometrists there is also a lot of debate about blue light. But what I am going to tell you is what is known. So, is blue light bad?
Firstly, what is blue light? ❓🔵
Blue light is classed as the wavelengths of light between 420–500nm (nano-meters). This is within the visible spectrum.
visible light spectrum
Is blue light bad? 🔵👍👎
We do know that the sun emits 100 times more blue light when compared to all consumer LED device. We also know that the blue light from the sun is extremely beneficial. As it sets our circadian rhythm or body clock. Our circadian rhythm affects our sleep and blood pressure. Also our heart rate, hormone secretion, and more. Blue light also naturally suppresses the body’s melatonin production. Which does boost our alertness and attention. Evidence is now associating circadian rhythms with eye growth and refractive error development. So it is imperative not to upset your natural body clock.
The trouble with blue light from LED devices
Some researchers have shown that blue light at 445nm. When the energy is 3 μW (micro-watts) or greater can cause cell damage. But this research was done under laboratory conditions. Not on actual living tissue like an eye. And in a healthy human all living tissue is constantly repairing itself. Electronic devices typically emit no greater than 1 μW… Note, that from such low energies it has not been shown that there is any harm or accumulative effect.
Is blue light bad
So the real problem with LED devices is if they are used at night. As the blue light can upset your circadian rhythm or body clock. We know for example. That night shift workers do not get enough blue light of a day time to set their circadian rhythm correctly. Therefore they do suffer from ill-health and a shorter life.
So what should you do about blue light 😟🔵❓
If you don’t spend much time out doors of a day. And you are stuck in front of an electronic device. Then the small amount of blue light being emitted may actually help to set your circadian rhythm.
But of a night-time I would recommend that you turn off your devices. Yes, I said turn off your devices. And for all of you who just said, “What, are you crazy?” And you cannot be without your device of a night. Then at least turn down the brightness of your display. Push the device further away from your face. And turn on a warm white light. This will then diffuse the small amount of blue light from your device so it will not upset your natural body clock. You could even wear blue block glasses to stop the blue light from reaching your eyes. But please, wear these only during night time hours.
Conclusion – Is blue light bad?
When received during daylight hours blue light has real known benefits. And preferable never received at night so you don’t upset your circadian rhythm.
I do not recommend wearing blue block sunglasses during day light hours. (Unless advised by an optometrist to do so). As you do require the suns blue light to set your circadian rhythm. So that you will have a normal healthy life.
Myths about blue light. – From those with no experience in optics. As seen on many websites.
Short-wavelength blue light is not as easily focused. As it’s focus point is in front of the retina. Wrong. All visible light does travel all the way to the retina. It does not stop just in front of the retina.
Blue light causes eye problems. Totally incorrect. It is within the visible light spectrum and is necessary to set your circadian rhythm. So you have a normal healthy life. But you should avoid or limit blue light of a night.
The reason for confusion on is blue light bad
Blue light receives such a bad reputation due to it’s incorrect classification. But only by some countries due to their sunglasses standard. Here in Australia for example. Ultraviolet or UV radiation is classified as all rays between 100nm and 400nm. Which is correct. These rays are known to be harmful to both the skin and eyes. Both violet and then blue light start at 400nm and are within the safe visible spectrum.
But in both the USA and EU sunglasses standard they classify UV radiation from 100nm to 380nm. And this is totally incorrect. The spectrum of UV radiation between 380nm and 400nm. Was removed from both sunglasses standards. This occurred when they both copied the Australian sunglasses standard with this one minor change. As they believe the sun in their countries is not as strong as it is in Australia. Which is true. However there is now this missing 20nm of harmful UV rays. This is then confused sometimes with High Energy Visible light (HEV – blue light). Because it is not correctly classified as harmful UV radiation.
The problem is children between the ages of 0 and 10 years old. Do transmit these harmful UV rays between 380nm and 400nm all the way to the retina. Therefore true 100% UV protection is a must for everyone. But especially young children. You can follow this link to read all about The Reliable Truth, How UV damages eyes.
What I have stated in this blog is based on information we have today. And this may change as we gain more information in the future.
The real dangers are from UV radiation ❌👀
Ultraviolet radiation is well-known to cause many eyes diseases and skin cancer. So protecting your eyes with good quality sunglasses is essential. To prevent long-term exposure to UV rays. We know that even small amounts of UV rays over time do have an accumulative effect leading to eye diseases. Such as cataracts, pterygium, actinic & droplet keratites, pinguecula and macular degeneration.
All parents need to know about this. So please like this post by clicking on the like (thumbs up) button below. That certainly will help more people see this important information. Thanks.
If you are ready to buy the best baby or kids sunglasses that will truly save sight. Without a ridiculously high price, then take a look at our online shop.
Don’t miss the latest sunglasses “WARNINGS” on this page. They will save your child’s eyesight.
We do use RSS feeds to protect our copyright blogs.
This Idol Eyes Australia blog is full of helpful information. All about sunglasses and eyes. And is a part of “The Reliable Truth” series written by us that certainly will help you to save your children’s eyes.
All about sunglasses and eyes 🕶️👀
Due to our 73 years experience in optics we know how truly important it is to protect the eyes from birth. Currently in Australia 1 in 7 adults over 50 years old have some form of blindness. Other countries have similar statistics. A high proportion of these are indeed from UV radiation related eye diseases like. cataracts, pterygium, actinic & droplet keratites, pinguecula and macular degeneration. All totally preventable. And we will teach you how. So that your children don’t end up as one of these terrible statistics.
Please take notice 👀
Have you ever taken notice of how much your baby hates the glare of the sun? Their eyes tightly closed. Their head turning from side to side, etc.
All about sunglasses and eyes. To help you to save your children’s eyes.
Think of it like this. You have been in bed for a couple of hours in complete darkness. Then someone immediately wakes you and instantly turns on the lights. It definitely is bright. And it also takes a while for your eyes to adjust.
Your baby has been in complete darkness for around 9 months, during pregnancy. Then you take them into the sun without protection. As a result it is truly uncomfortable and extremely damaging to their eyes. The reason is babies do not have any chromophores (UV protective cells) that develop with age. Within the lens and other parts of their eyes like adults.
Chromophores, truly magic little cells 👍
We know that chromophores cells within the eyes have the ability to absorb harmful UV rays. The problem is babies at birth have a limited number of these small protective cells. But they do grow quick. And by the time most kids reach 5 years old they will have around 80% of the total number of these chromophores. The other 20% take some time to develop and most adult’s at 30 years of age will finally have the total amount.
Because babies and children lack these UV radiation protective cells. We know that they receive 3 times more UV rays than adults. And by 20 years of age they will have received 80% of their life time exposure. So it is vitally important to protect the eyes of babies from birth. To stop this accumulated exposure of harmful UV radiation.
It is extremely easy and very inexpensive to protect baby’s eyes. With good quality sunglasses from birth. But be aware not all sunglasses are created equal. And some sunglasses are down-right dangerous for babies and kids. They can also cause more harm than good. You can read all about this in our blog: The Reliable Truth, Sunglasses the good and the bad.
All parents need to know about this. So please like this post by clicking on the like (thumbs up) button below. That certainly will help more people see this important information. Thanks.
If you are ready to buy the best baby or kids sunglasses that will truly save sight. Without a ridiculously high price, then take a look at our online shop.
Don’t miss the latest sunglasses “WARNINGS” on this page. They will save your child’s eyesight.
We do use RSS feeds to protect our copyright blogs.
If you have any questions about buying the correct sunglasses for your baby and kids. Or any other questions please contact us via: https://idoleyes.com.au/contact-us/
Bargain buy sale on now. - *Buy any sunglasses worth $30.00 or more. And receive a free a semi hard case worth $14.00 *Plus a free matching sunglasses cord worth $6.00 Details. 1) No limits. 2) Place your colour preference/s in the "order notes optional box" on the checkout page. 3) Only available at our online shop. 4) Ends: When we run out of stock. Hurry so you don't miss out.
