News
March 2011
POLAROID CAMPAIGNS TO KEEP KIDS’ EYES SUN SAFE
Polaroid Eyewear, the world leading sunglass brand which pioneered the development of sun-safe polarized lenses is launching a special Learning Pack for schools to help make children and their parents aware of the damage too much sun can cause to eyesight.
Polaroid Eyewear, the world leading sunglass brand which pioneered the development of sun-safe polarized lenses is launching a special Learning Pack for schools to help make children and their parents aware of the damage too much sun can cause to eyesight
A staggering 85% of parents with young children fail to protect their kids’ eyes from the sun not realising this could lead to permanent damage to their sight. The Eyecare Trust recommends that when the UV index reaches three or more – and that can happen even on cloudy days – wearing sunglasses with UV protection is vital, especially for children.
Most people of are aware too much sun exposure can cause skin cancer but our eyes are actually ten times more sensitive to UV light than our skin and children’s eyes are particularly vulnerable. Their big pupils and clearer lenses mean up to 70% more UV light reaches a child’s retina – with up to 80% of a lifetime’s UV absorbed by the eye by the age of 18.
“We are really concerned that parents aren’t aware of the danger UV sunlight poses to their children – not just on holiday, but throughout the summer,” said Rebecca Harwood Lincoln, Sales Manager UK & Ireland for Polaroid Eyewear. “Even short term exposure can lead to photophobia - that’s visual discomfort and sensitivity to bright light and also photokeratitis which is like sunburn to the eyes and can last 48hours or so. We believe one of the best ways to get the sun-safe message across is straight to the kids themselves, so we have put together a fun sun-safe learning pack for teachers to download from our website that can be used in KS1 lessons.”
Be Safe in the Sun Schools Pack The Polaroid Be Safe in the Sun Schools Pack includes a learning guide for teachers and a series of fun and educational colouring activities for the class to do including a simple eye diagram and recommended sun-safe activities. Once the children have completed the activity they all get a special Take Home Certificate to ensure the whole family gets the sun-safe message. The pack can be downloaded at www.polaroidsunglasses.co.uk/schools
Top Tips for Kids Sunglasses
As well as the Schools Pack, Polaroid has also put together a simple Top Tips list for parents to get their kids into wearing sunglasses:
- always get sunglasses that carry the European CE mark. All Polaroid polarized sunglasses exceed American, European and Australian standards.
- make sure they have 100% UV blocking polarized lenses, up to 400nm which protect against the whole spectrum of UV rays
- choose plastic or toughened lenses that are shatter-proof and kid-proof!
- get the right age range sunglasses for your kids so they fit properly and are comfortable
- look for special age related features such as headbands for babies and flexible frames for lively youngsters that won’t break easily
- check out the funky colours, styles and character branded sunglasses such as Disney and Hello Kitty that are available as well as the mini-me designer styles for fashion conscious teenagers.
Polaroid has a dedicated Kids Collection and all sunglasses feature UltraSight™ premium polarized lenses for glare free vision and 100% UV400 protection. There are lots of exciting new styles suitable for children from babies to teenagers available from high street retailers including Cotswold, Nevisports, Asda Opticians and independent opticians nationwide. Also when you head off on holiday, see selected children’s styles at UK Center Parcs and in UK airports. Or buy on board cruise ships including P&O and Thompson; also on selected airlines. Prices for Polaroid’s Kids Collection start from £25.00 and to buy online go to www.polaroidsunglasses.co.uk