Eye health resource
Should Kids Wear Sunglasses?
Yes. Children should have UV protection outdoors. Learn what to look for in kids' sunglasses, why 99–100% UVA/UVB protection matters, and how fit, comfort, and impact resistance affect whether a child will actually wear them.
Reviewed for accuracy by Justin Bazan, OD on .
Yes. Children should wear sunglasses outdoors when sunlight exposure is significant, just as adults should. The most important feature is not how dark the lenses look — it is whether they block ultraviolet radiation.
Look for 99–100% UVA and UVB Protection
Choose sunglasses labeled to block 99–100% of UVA and UVB radiation or to provide UV400 protection. Dark tint by itself does not guarantee adequate UV protection.
Ultraviolet exposure accumulates over time. UV is associated with eye and eyelid damage, including cataract and other conditions later in life. Sunglasses reduce exposure; they cannot guarantee that a person will never develop an age-related eye disease.
Fit and Comfort Matter
A pair of sunglasses only helps when the child will actually wear it. Frames should sit securely without pinching, slipping constantly, or interfering with normal play.
Letting a child participate in choosing the frame can improve the odds that the sunglasses stay on. A strap can be useful for younger or very active children.
Consider Impact-Resistant Lenses
Children are active, so lens material matters. Polycarbonate and similar impact-resistant materials are commonly used in children's eyewear because they are lighter and more resistant to breakage than ordinary glass.
For organized sports or activities with meaningful impact risk, ordinary sunglasses are not the same as sports-protective eyewear. Use protection designed for that activity.
Do Bigger or Wraparound Frames Help?
Larger lenses or wraparound styles can reduce sunlight reaching the eyes from the side. A brimmed hat or cap can add useful shade as well.
For everyday use, the best combination is adequate UV blocking, comfortable fit, good coverage, and a frame the child is willing to wear consistently.
What About Prescription Sunglasses?
Children who need prescription correction can use prescription sunglasses when appropriate. Photochromic lenses that darken outdoors can also be convenient for some families, although their performance varies with temperature, lens material, and whether the child is behind a windshield.
Not every child needs a separate prescription-sunglass pair, but it can be helpful for children who spend substantial time outdoors or find bright light uncomfortable.
Do Sunglasses Need to Be Expensive?
No. UV protection is a performance feature, not a price guarantee. An inexpensive pair that truly blocks 99–100% UVA and UVB can provide meaningful protection.
More expensive eyewear may offer better frame materials, optics, coatings, warranty, fit, or durability, but price alone does not tell you how much UV is blocked.
Kids' Eyewear at Park Slope Eye
Park Slope Eye offers children's eyewear as part of our independent optical selection and can discuss prescription sunglasses, photochromic lenses, polarized options, sports eyewear, and other lens choices based on the child's prescription and activities.
For pediatric eye care, see our children's eye exam page. If your child needs an updated prescription, book an appointment online.
Originally published . Substantially updated .