CONCORD, Mass., Dec. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Anderson Cooper, host of "Anderson Live," was
temporarily blinded for 36 hours following a two-hour boat trip in
Portugal where the sun damaged and
burnt his cornea. Eye health concerns like cataracts, skin
cancer of the eyelids and melanoma in the retina can all result
from sun-damaged eyes.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says that children's eyes are
at even greater risk for permanent damage from sunlight until they
are at least 10 years old, because their eyes are highly sensitive
and still developing. Furthermore, 90% of total lifetime
damage from the sun's harmful rays occurs by age 18. Most
parents (82%) encourage their children to use sunscreen when
outdoors in the sunlight to protect the skin, but only 32% protect
the vulnerable eyes of their infants, toddlers and children with
sunglasses.
Real Kids Shades manufactures a line of protective infants' and
children's sunglasses that provide the 100% UV-A and UV-B ray
protection, as recommended by Prevent Blindness America. Real
Kids Shades are safe, lead-free and made of impact-resistant,
shatterproof polycarbonate frames and lenses, a material that is
hailed by Prevent Blindness America as "the first choice for
children's eyewear."
Dr. Deborah Sarnoff, senior vice
president of The Skin Cancer Foundation was quoted as saying, "It
is really important that everyone wear sunglasses that protect
against both UV-A and U-VB rays. Even during the winter, you should
protect your eyes from dangerous rays, particularly when they are
reflected off of bright surfaces such as snow."
"Recognizing that children's eyes are at special risk from the
harmful effects of UV rays, since their eyes are still developing
and are more vulnerable to sun damage, we developed Real Kids
Shades to provide serious sun protection, and designed them to be
comfortable, kid-friendly and stylish," says Lisa Medora, VP Product Development, Real Kids
Shades. "Our line offers real value in a range of colors and styles
especially designed for babies, toddlers, young children and
tweens, as well as children active in sports, taking into
consideration the need for venting, anti-glare, and anti-fog
properties. Several of our styles are even made to float so they
won't be lost by water sports enthusiasts."
"Real Kids Shades were developed to be both durable -- to
withstand kids' lifestyles -- and great-looking, so that kids will
want to wear them," added David
Scheinberg, CEO, Real Kids Shades. "Furthermore, Real Kids
Shades are designed for fun in the sun with protective shatterproof
lenses in polycarbonate frames and lenses that kids won't break,
wraparound frames that minimize exposure to peripheral light, and
neoprene bands that are comfortable and stay put even with active
children or when babies fall asleep in their strollers or car
seats."
And sunglasses are not just for sunny summer days, according to
the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), they are also needed
during the winter season when reflections from snow, water, sand or
pavement can intensify UV rays to extremely high levels. In
addition, the sun's rays pass right through haze and thin clouds,
making sunglasses a necessity during the early afternoon when UV
radiation is strongest, and a must when participating in winter
sports, particularly at high altitudes.
The Real Kids Shades are designed for all children 12 and under
and come in a wide assortment of shatterproof polycarbonate frames
and lenses with either adjustable neoprene bands, rubber flex, or
matte metallic finishes. Several of the styles can be fitted with
prescription lenses.
Real Kids Shades offer 100% UV protection, as measured by the
strictest American, European and Australian governing bodies and
are Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) compliant, CE
Certified and FDA Approved for protecting children's eyes against
dangerous exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays. Real Kids Shades
are approved by the Melanoma International Foundation and meet with
the sunglass recommendations of Prevent Blindness America.
Suggested retail prices start at $14.99 to
$19.99. For more information and store location, visit
www.realkidshades.com.
[Real Kids Shades is a registered trademark]
SOURCE Real Kids Shades