Many children like to wear and play with sunglasses because they look cool.  However, sunglasses serve a very valuable purpose as well.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), UV rays from the sun can cause serious damage to the eyes including cataracts, macular degeneration, and skin cancer near and around the eyes is caused by too much sun exposure to the eyes.

This sun exposure starts when children are very young, so using sunglasses regularly starting when your children are young is a great way to reduce the risks of serious problems later in life. 

When choosing sunglasses for kids, consider the following tips to provide the best protection and to make sure that your children are as protected as possible. 

1. Most importantly, make sure that the sunglasses that you are considering block 90 - 100% of UV rays. Each pair of glasses should clearly state the percentage of rays that the block. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on a decent pair of glasses for your kids, but do make sure they are high-quality. 

2. When choosing sunglasses for kids, have them try them on before you purcahse them.  They, of course, will want a pair that looks cool or has their favorite character on them, but you also want to make sure that they are comfortable and fit well so that they'll keep them on!

3. Consider glasses that have a strap for small children.  They can look a little silly, but the point is to keep the glasses on their face!

4. When you find the perfect sunglasses for your child, buy an extra pair or two, as children are prone to losing things like this! 

If your child won't keep sunglasses on, consider trying a hat with a wide brim to help protect their eyes from the sun.  Remember, that sunglasses are important in all seasons!