By Nigel Little 

Contact lenses for children  can enable parents to buy non-prescription sunglasses - which are cheaper than prescription versions - to provide the appropriate protection from damaging UV rays. Protection for children's eyes is imperative in strong sunlight which can damage the retina and lens of the eye, increasing the risk of developing certain conditions such as cataracts and possible age-related macular degeneration in later life. The importance of providing such protection is highlighted by a study from the College of Optometrists which reveals that an astonishingly high 76% of parents admitted to not making sure their children wore sunglasses when outside and exposed to direct sunlight. Almost a third (29%) never bothered to buy sunglasses for their children and of those who did, just one in four (25%) bought them from a reputable brand of supplier to ensure they provided adequate UV protection.

According to the World Health Organisation, up to 80% of a person's exposure to harmful UV happens before the age of 18 yet of those parents who do buy sunglasses for their children, almost half (46%) put cost ahead of protection. Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser at The College of Optometrists, said: "I am shocked to see that so many parents aren't ensuring that their child's eyes are protected in the sun and I am equally astounded to see that of those who do, many are opting for 'cheap and cheerful' over quality". Part of the problem appears to stem from the fact that prescription versions of sunglasses can be expensive which is why the new overnight ortho-k contact lenses for children  who are short-sighted offers parents a great way of correcting their child's vision and enabling them to buy cheaper non-prescription sunglasses.

Astonishingly, while almost half (43%) of parents ensure their child's time in the sun is limited and three-quarters (76%) make sure they apply suncream to their child's skin, buying sunglasses to provide protection for the eyes appears not to be a priority. Yet perfectly adequate low cost protective sunglasses can be purchased from high street stores and as long as they carry the "CE" Mark and British Standard BS EN 1836:1997, this ensures that the sunglasses offer a safe level of UV protection. Light coloured eyes are especially vulnerable - people with light coloured eyes are most at risk from sun damage. So fitting contact lenses for children  and making them wear suitably protective sunglasses is important advice for parents as summer approaches.

Check if your child is suitable for overnight ortho-k corrective contact lenses .