As Hunter children head back to school this week, parents are being encouraged to consider the safety of their children outside the classroom.
A statement released by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) warns parents and schools need to ensure their children's eyes are properly protected.
The College is encouraging a 'no hat, no sunglasses. no play' policy to maintain the safety of students whilst at school.
To ensure maximum protection children should be wearing sunglasses that meet the Australian Standards for UV protection.
A number of young children are showing the first signs of eye damage from ultraviolet light according to eye surgeons Dr Shanel Sharma and Dr Alina Zeldovich.
Ophthalmologist Dr Shanel Sharma said that UV light effects eyes differently to how it affects the skin, with younger children at increased risk due to the development of their eyes.
It is thought that schools have resisted introducing sunglasses as part of the uniform due to the lack of awareness and potential management issues such as loss and damage.
Children need to be wearing a hat and sunglasses not only at school but during sport and other outdoor activities outside of school to be protected from the sun.
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| Source: http://www.abc.net.au/ |
