Children's lives are always intertwined with the sun, whether it's playing outside, participating in physical education classes, going on field trips, or joining clubs. But did you know that UV damage accumulates over many years? Furthermore, some theories suggest that more than half of the UV radiation a person receives in their lifetime occurs before they turn 18! Outdoor play is important for preventing nearsightedness. However, the amount of UV radiation reaching Japan is gradually increasing each year, so it's important to protect children from the sun from a young age.

While the damage to the skin from ultraviolet rays is easily noticeable in the form of sunburn, damage to the eyes is often unnoticed unless the exposure is very strong. However, the scary thing about ultraviolet rays is that we are exposed to them without realizing it. It is said that the accumulation of ultraviolet damage can lead to certain eye diseases that become more common in adulthood. Children's eyes, which are still growing, are more sensitive to light than adults', so don't forget to protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays along with your skin.

After a day of fun at the beach in summer or skiing in winter, your eyes might feel tired, sore, or red. While corneal inflammation caused by UV rays usually subsides in a few days, other conditions, such as cataracts (cloudy pupils) and pinguecula (yellowing or bloodshot whites of the eyes), can be more likely to occur with prolonged exposure to UV rays. Take precautions to protect your children from UV rays, such as avoiding direct sunlight and wearing hats and sunglasses.