With summer upon us, and school holidays almost here, remember that your child will be spending much more time outdoors; especially around water at the beach and pool where 200% damage is done to their vulnerable eyes due to direct UV reflection. Every time you wear your shades, remind them to wear theirs too.
OV Optics was founded and is owned by Tanya and Zulé Oehmen-Vuuren. Tanya is an optometrist and Zulé is a professional photographer. It was after touring South America, spending six months volunteering in the rural countryside, touring cities and appreciating the natural wonders that they vowed to change the future of as many others as possible for the better.
I met them at the #Momblogmeetup we held earlier this year and was touched by their energy and passion. Most memorable for me was the way they demonstrated how the sunglasses can bend backwards without breaking: totally childproof.
OV Optics are also responsible for the “Sunglasses in Schools” program, a uniformed range for use at outdoor school events. Zulé and Tanya also undertake speaking engagements to educate on health and safety regarding the sensitivity of children’s eyes.
If you’re wondering how much more sensitive they are, read the following facts:
- Children are more vulnerable to UV damage as they have larger pupils and clearer lenses – a greater amount of light penetrates the ocular tissues causing an increased risk of complications.
- Children spend more time outdoors – approximately 3 times more than adults.
- The lenses in children’s eyes do not block as much UV radiation as they do in adults’ eyes, putting them at increased risk for sun damage to the eyes.
- UV damage is cumulative – when damage occurs it can never be reversed, only treated.
I think the most important fact is that 80% of your lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18. This should really be a wake up call to us as parents to protect our children from the sun.
OV Optics will also be at the Jozi Child & Mommy Market this Friday and Saturday.
SA Mom blogs is giving away a pair of sunglasses to a winner: a SURF in black, OR BOLT in black & gray, size 4 OR 7.
All you have to do is use the Rafflecopter giveaway form to tweet your answer to “How much of your lifetime exposure takes place before age 18?” and follow them on Twitter. Bonus entries for other social media follows. This competition is open to SA residents only.
all steps done