CALLING ALL MOMS !

[fiona hayden]

We love them unconditionally, even when chastising them. One glance at those adorable saucer eyes, reveals their complete and utter trust in us. So even as they run amok through the house, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake, we forgive them.

No, I am not talking about that cute little puppy (and off the record) I am still trying to forgive Annie for those Gucci's)

I am referring to those other adorable, (Hmm wonder how much boarding school is ?) masters of destruction and chaos ( actually we are talking PhD here) our beloved kids. One minute we are frantically checking out the temperature in Siberia, the cost of a gallon of vodka and whether frozen eyelashes need mascara. The next, we are being handed an I heart you picture, which rivals any Picasso and is beyond price. Instantly all is forgiven.

We love them with a passion and intensity that defies all logic,is impossible to articulate, because it simply is ! So we guard them as tenaciously as does a lioness, her cubs. We join the local library and consume articles, indeed whole volumes, on the seemingly impossible task of parenting. So voracious is our appetite for knowledge, that it is matched only by that sneaky family-size bar of chocolate we just gobbled down. Now I think about it, why does, just one more piece, always seem to result in empty wrappers? Please say it isn't just me !

Here comes the curve ball. Do we insist, as we tenderly hold them in a vice like grip, to slather on the factor 1 billion,that they also protect their eyes. I suspect many of us don't. It is enough of a battle to try and get the little darling into a hat, never mind sunglasses. Now dear readers, please, before you dive headlong into another guilt trip,bar of chocolate and stiff drink, let me assure you, had I not been a Dr.of Optometry, neither would I.

I can hear the ear splitting groan, ( I really can ) Oh no goes up the collective cry ! I have to hold this squirming eel, masquerading as my kid, in an arm lock which would impress the great Muhammad Ali himself, while basting with sunscreen, and tying on a sun hat. That surely is enough torture for one day ? No, apparently not. I have to contend with some crazy English woman, telling me I need to put them in sunglasses as well ! What's the betting she doesn't have kids ?

Well, I do have kids, and have gone through all the battles, some of them more bloody than others ! Fortunately now, they are only too happy to sport sunglasses, (preferably several pairs,no not all at once) albeit by the latest,simply must have (or I will die mummy) designer.

Why am I such a firm advocate for sunglasses, which actually dates way back to my days in England as an Optometrist ? Below I will provide just a few of many reasons.

1) The well proven and documented link between age related cataracts and UVB.

2) 1 day in the sun can burn the cornea, which is the clear layer covering both the iris and pupil. The cornea has more nerve endings than nearly any other structure. Consider how irritating an eyelash feels, now consider the pain of a burned cornea, Ouch !

3) The UV rays reflect off both water and snow (attention all skiers)

4) Blue eyes are more sensitive than brown, all my kids have blue eyes.

Ensuring we protect our children's eyes from the damaging effects of UV, by wearing sunglasses, will ultimately lead to fewer eye health problems, in future years. The good news, is they can be inexpensive, as long as they say UV blocking and are of optical quality. I recall my daughter being very attached to some bright pink Barbie ones and as for my youngest son and his Bob the Builder pair, what can I say ?

I would post photos, but I fear the reprisals from the pair of them would be swift and not entirely pleasant !

Never forget that all young kids love to copy mum and dad, so if you wear them, you stand a much better chance of little Billy or Bertha following suit !

[Nelly Camardo]

Great advice Fiona, it is so true. I have five grandchildren and they don't know how to protect their eyes. I will try to convince them when two of them visit in August. Thank you!
Nelly.

[Sara Hand]

I have great pics of my kids with glasses when they were younger. It is harder now with them as teens.

[Karen Martin]

Good advice for dads and gradparents too.