Why UV Protection Matters for Your Child’s Eyes

Children’s eyes are more sensitive to sunlight than adults’. Because their eyes are still developing, they absorb more ultraviolet (UV) radiation—making proper eye protection essential from an early age.

Why Is UV Protection Important?

· Kids’ pupils are larger and lenses clearer, so more light—and UV—gets in.

· UV exposure builds up over time and may contribute to future eye conditions.

· Early protection can help reduce the risk of cataracts, retinal damage, and other long-term vision problems.

What Do UV400 and UV420 Mean?

Most children’s lenses that block UV fall into two categories:

✅ UV400

· Blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays

· Filters light up to 400 nanometers

· Effective for standard outdoor UV protection

✅ UV420

· Blocks all of UV400, plus some high-energy visible (HEV) blue-violet light

· Filters light up to 420 nanometers

· Provides broader coverage, including part of the blue-light spectrum

· What Should Parents Know?

· Both UV400 and UV420 lenses offer real protection. UV420 simply extends coverage slightly further into the blue-violet light range, which some studies suggest may also impact eye health.

· If both are available, choosing UV420 can offer a small but meaningful extra layer of protection—especially for children who spend lots of time outdoors or in bright environments.

UV protection is an easy but powerful way to care for your child’s eyes. Whether it’s UV400 or UV420, making sure their lenses include proper UV blocking is one step that helps protect their vision for years to come.