Eyes on Safety: Essential Summer Eye Protection for Kids

Children’s eyes are different from adult eyes in important ways. More ultraviolet (UV) rays can reach the retina because kids’ pupils are bigger and their lenses are clearer.

This implies that children are more susceptible to UV-induced eye damage than adults. Add in sports, swimming, dusty playgrounds, and flying debris, and you’ve got a perfect storm for potential eye trouble.

UV Radiation

• Prolonged exposure to the sun without eye protection can increase the risk of future cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eye cancers.
• Photokeratitis, a painful “sunburn” of the eye, can result from brief exposure.

Swimming Pool Irritants

• Chlorine and other chemicals can irritate the eye’s surface, resulting in redness, itching, or blurry vision.

Sand, Dust, and Debris

• Playing at the beach or in parks can lead to particles entering the eye, possibly causing scratches or infections.

Sports Injuries

• Balls, bats, and even fingers pose risks of blunt trauma or corneal abrasions.

Sunscreen in the Eyes

• While sunscreen is essential, it can burn and sting if it accidentally gets into the eyes, especially during active play or swimming.

Choose Kid-Friendly Sunglasses with 100% UV Protection

Not all sunglasses are created the same. Look for:

• Labels that say “100% UVA/UVB protection”
• Wraparound or large-lens styles that block sunlight from all angles
• Polycarbonate lenses, which are impact-resistant and fit for active kids

Allowing your child to choose their favorite color or style can make them more likely to wear it consistently.

Encourage Your Kids to Wear Hats with Brims

Another summer eye protection for kids is using a wide-brimmed hat, which can block up to 50% of UV rays and reduce exposure from above and the sides. This is especially helpful when sunglasses aren’t ideal—like during playground time or sports.

Use Swim Goggles in Pools, Lakes, and Oceans

Swim goggles:

• Protect against chlorine and harmful microbes in pool water
• Prevent sand, salt, and debris from irritating or injuring the eyes
• Help kids see clearly underwater, reducing the risk of accidents

Choose goggles that fit snugly without discomfort, and clean them regularly.

Keep Sunscreen Out of Their Eyes

Use a mineral-based, eye-safe sunscreen on the face. Apply cautiously around the eyes, avoiding the eyelids. If you’re worried about sweating, try sunscreen sticks or creams instead of lotions, which are less likely to drip.

Tip: Additional summer eye protection for kids is to have your child wear a sweatband or visor to keep sunscreen and sweat from running into their eyes.

Promote Hand Hygiene

Kids rub their eyes more frequently than they should—especially when playing outside. Dusty or dirty hands can transfer bacteria or particles directly into the eyes.

Encourage frequent hand-washing and remind them not to touch their face or eyes unless their hands are clean.

Use Protective Eyewear for Sports

For high-risk sports like baseball, soccer, tennis, or basketball, make sure your child wears proper sport-specific protective eyewear. Use protective gear with shatterproof polycarbonate lenses and secure head straps.

Although sports-related eye injuries are one of the main causes of childhood blindness, as part of summer eye protection for kids, using the proper protective eyewear can lower the risk by as much as 90%.

Despite the best summer eye protection for kids, eye problems can still occur. Here’s what to watch for:

• Redness, tearing, or light sensitivity after sun exposure or swimming
• Rubbing the eyes frequently, which could indicate irritation or a foreign object
• Squinting or covering one eye, possibly due to vision changes
• Visible injury or sudden pain

If symptoms don’t improve within a few hours, or if there’s pain, swelling, or vision loss, seek medical attention from a pediatrician or eye doctor immediately.

Summer should be about carefree fun—not preventable eye injuries or long-term vision damage. By teaching your kids healthy eye habits now and making protection part of their daily routine, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of clear, safe sight. Summer eye protection for kids is essential, and their eyes will thank you. So this summer, along with sunscreen and water bottles, don’t forget to pack eye protection. 

Summer eye protection for kids is important. Consult our optometrists, Dr. Jeffrey Porter and his associates, to get a comprehensive eye exam.

Our experienced eye doctors in Crystal Lake and Algonquin, IL, are dedicated to providing exceptional eye checkups to residents of Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Illinois, and surrounding areas. 

Contact us:

Walmart Vision Center Crystal Lake, IL

815-477-4053

Walmart Vision Center Algonquin, IL

847-458-5796