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Sunglasses Important For Protecting Kids' Eyes

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Are your children properly protected in the summer?

Most parents lather their youngsters up with sunscreen before spending time out in the sun, but seven out of 10 parents are forgetting an important step in protecting their kids from the sun's rays.

Protecting your child's eyes with sunglasses when out in the sun is a crucial part of preventing permanent damage.

Ultraviolet damage from UVA and UVB rays can lead to a number of health issues for your eyes, including cataracts, macular degeneration and eye skin cancer.

According to Dr. Mark Clement from Gateway Eye Associates, "The majority of UV damage that happens to human beings happens before our 18th birthday."

So now is the time to start protecting your child's eyes with some shades.

However,  be careful what you choose for your kids because there is no government regulation on labeling.

KDKA's Health Editor, Dr. Maria Simbra said, "You want to get your kids sunglasses at a reputable place where they know what's in the lenses. For example, polycarbonate lenses won't let UV rays pass through."

If your child won't wear sunglasses, a hat will do the trick.

A hat can block about 50 percent of what they'd get from their sunglasses.

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