Some experts say that to help prevent eye disease and cancer, the earlier that kids start wearing eye protection the better. A hat is not enough.


The "Outside 5" principles for sun protection

Wear sunnies at school to save your eyes, students told

Sunglasses could reduce the instance of eye disease

Schools forecast: fine and sunnies

The "Outside 5" principles for sun protection: 1. Use shade 2. Wear sun protective clothing 3. Wear a sun protective hat 4. Wear wrap-around sunglasses 5. Apply SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen. SunSmart Victoria
Wear sunnies at school to save your eyes, students told. Brisbane-based optometrist and father of two, Simon Hurwood, said the earlier children wore sunglasses, the better. "My children go to childcare. They have to wear hats outside and sunscreen and I think that sunglasses should be part of that", said the father of Georgia almost three, and Thomas, one.
Hat plus sunglasses reduces UV exposure. A broad-brimmed hat alone can reduce UVR to the eyes by 50%. Sunglasses, which meet the Australian Standard for UVR transmission, and a broad brimmed hat can reduce UVR exposure to the eyes by up to 98%. Source: Cancer Council Australia, Eye Protection Position Statement
Schools forcast: fine and sunnies. Source: Chee Chee Leung, The Age December 20, 2006