Health experts have warned parents to protect their children's eyes from the sun, or risk damage to their eyesight in later life.
A study from the College of Optometrists found over three quarters of parents questioned admitted to not making sure their child wears sunglasses when out in the sun.
The researchers said the statistics were 'shocking', pointing out to the fact 80 per cent of a person's exposure to harmful UV happens before the age of 18. The optometrists' have released the information today to coincide with a period of hot weather expected this week, with bright sunshine forecast for many parts of the UK.
Optometrists said parents must buy sunglasses for their children, discovering that while 43 per cent ensure their child's time in the sun is limited and 76 per cent make sure sun cream is applied, buying sunglasses is 'not a top priority'.
Researchers said they were also very concerned about the 'price over quality' attitude many parents they surveyed took, when it came to buying sunglasses for their children; 46 per cent opted for price over protection.
Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser at The College of Optometrists, says: 'I am shocked to see that so many parents aren't ensuring that their child's eyes are protected in the sun, and am equally astounded to see that of those who do, many are opting for 'cheap and cheerful' over quality.
'According to the World Health Organisation, up to 80 per cent of exposure to UV over a person's lifetime occurs before the age of 18. It's therefore especially important that parents make sure that children wear sunglasses so that any long-term damage is minimised.'
The research also found parents in Northern Ireland were the 'worst culprits' for not protecting their children's eyes with sunglasses, while those in Wales were the best.
Researchers said sunlight can damage the retina and lens of the eye, increasing the risk of developing certain conditions such as cataracts in later life.
The college recommends parents buy sunglasses of good quality that are dark, that they check they are up to standard and that they know light coloured eyes are especially vulnerable.
A study from the College of Optometrists found over three quarters of parents questioned admitted to not making sure their child wears sunglasses when out in the sun.
The researchers said the statistics were 'shocking', pointing out to the fact 80 per cent of a person's exposure to harmful UV happens before the age of 18. The optometrists' have released the information today to coincide with a period of hot weather expected this week, with bright sunshine forecast for many parts of the UK.
Optometrists said parents must buy sunglasses for their children, discovering that while 43 per cent ensure their child's time in the sun is limited and 76 per cent make sure sun cream is applied, buying sunglasses is 'not a top priority'.
Researchers said they were also very concerned about the 'price over quality' attitude many parents they surveyed took, when it came to buying sunglasses for their children; 46 per cent opted for price over protection.
Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser at The College of Optometrists, says: 'I am shocked to see that so many parents aren't ensuring that their child's eyes are protected in the sun, and am equally astounded to see that of those who do, many are opting for 'cheap and cheerful' over quality.
'According to the World Health Organisation, up to 80 per cent of exposure to UV over a person's lifetime occurs before the age of 18. It's therefore especially important that parents make sure that children wear sunglasses so that any long-term damage is minimised.'
The research also found parents in Northern Ireland were the 'worst culprits' for not protecting their children's eyes with sunglasses, while those in Wales were the best.
Researchers said sunlight can damage the retina and lens of the eye, increasing the risk of developing certain conditions such as cataracts in later life.
The college recommends parents buy sunglasses of good quality that are dark, that they check they are up to standard and that they know light coloured eyes are especially vulnerable.
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