The key role of glasses is not aesthetic, but protective!
Children's eyes should especially protect against sharp light and UV radiation that can damage the cornea or retina of the eye. Hana Hoffmann, Editor-in-Chief of the dTest magazine, summarizes the findings: "We tested 16 models of sunglasses in different price ranges, from 80 to 1000 crowns. The good news is that protection from UV light of 380 and 400 nanometers wavelengths fills all of our models. In tests for the presence of undesirable chemicals, we did not score worse than good grades. Significant differences were seen in the fall and scratch resistance tests. "
Children's glasses should be able to withstand even more rough handling, so dTest has simulated situations such as crashes, unwanted cracks or scratches on the glass surface. All 16 models survived five times in a row, falling to the ground from a height of 1.5 meters without any visible damage. Nearly all glasses also resisted the recurring load when a 75-pound person sits on glasses placed on a regular office chair.
In addition to resistance to damage, dTest has tested the scratch resistant test models as well. "We tested the scratch resistance with a special pen that is used for similar tests on smartphone displays. The smallest effort was needed to scratch the glasses of Zara Kids Sunglasses, " says Hana Hoffmann.
While in recent tests of baby crayons, boots or strollers dTest found unwanted chemicals, sunglasses were considerably better. The Laboratory did not reveal any plastic softeners or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in glasses. Besides these substances, they searched for other unwanted chemicals, such as heavy metals. "Heavy metals are among the substances that could have a negative impact on health if in contact with the skin or mouth. We found them only in a few products but in a very minimal amount that does not pose any health risk, " says Hana Hoffmann, adding: " Children tend to taste the glasses' feet, so we do the same tests as if they were toys. "
In addition to protection against harmful UV radiation, the size of the glasses is also important. Sunglasses should be large enough and wide to protect the entire area of the eyes and not too tight to cause unpleasant nose or ears. As far as the color of glass is concerned, according to experts, sunglasses are best suited for brown or gray. Darker, ie black glass, are ideal for mountains or the sea, where the intensity of sunshine is higher than for example in the city. Children's glasses should also be as light as possible, ideally up to 20 grams.
According to opticians' opinions, children in Czech conditions can even walk without sunglasses if they wear a headgear with a peak and do not go out in direct sunlight between 12am and 4pm. In an alpine environment, in direct sunlight at the sea or around the equator, the risk of UV damage is more tangible. Even on exotic holidays, children should not wear sunglasses permanently. The eyes may become agitated and the child may be light-colored in time.
Practical dTest tips for choosing children's glasses
- Check that the glasses are well seated behind the ears and especially at the root of the nose. Glasses should not fall or fall on the baby.
- Every child is different, select the type of rhombs according to the person's face.
- The eye size and the distance between them are important. The glasses should cover the entire area of the eye so as not to interfere with the UV radiation.
- The frames are made of flexible and solid material.
- The lashes should not touch the glass even when blinking to make the eyes too tired.
- The glass should be plastic and stable in color (around 85%).
A list of tested sunglasses can be found at www.dtest.com/detske-bryle. Full test results were provided by the June issue of the dTest magazine.
Source: tz, dTest.cz, edited