{
  "id": 6482955,
  "title": "Japanese experts offer tips on how to protect children's eyes from UV rays",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/japanese-experts-offer-tips-on-how-to-protect-childrens-eyes-from-uv",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-09T22:00:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Mainichi",
    "slug": "the-mainichi",
    "url": "https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260909/p2a/00m/0li/014000c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Japanese experts have advised parents on ways to safeguard children's eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunglasses are gaining popularity as a protective measure, but experts caution about a lesser-known issue in UV eye protection. This is due to children's transparent crystalline lenses, which allow UV rays to penetrate more deeply into the eye compared to adults.\n\nIn autumn, the sun is lower in the sky, enabling sunlight to enter children's eyes more easily at certain times of day. The long-term effects of UV exposure necessitate preventive measures to prevent eye diseases later in life, according to pediatrician Naoya Hashimoto of Shonika Online, an online children's health consultation service.\n\nProtective options for children include hats, parasols, and sunglasses. Sunglasses require careful selection based on whether they are needed, how to choose them, and how to use them effectively. Dr. Nagako Kondo, executive director of the Japan Ophthalmologists Association and deputy director of Miyake Eye Hospital, explained that eyeglasses can be treated with UV-blocking coatings, and contact lenses can also offer UV protection. Even clear lenses can provide sufficient protection if they have a high UV-blocking rate.\n\nHowever, tinted lenses without adequate UV protection can be a potential pitfall. Dark lenses may seem to reduce brightness, causing pupils to dilate and allowing more UV rays to enter the eyes. Parents should verify if colored toy glasses and similar products for children have UV protection.\n\nChildren with light sensitivity conditions may need tinted lenses for medical reasons. When children wear glasses, shatter-resistant lenses are recommended to minimize eye injury risks from falls or ball impacts. School children often need to perceive colors, brightness, and contrast accurately, making tinted lenses unnecessary indoors.\n\nOn August 21, six ophthalmology-related organizations, including the Japan Ophthalmologists Association, released a joint statement on sunglasses and tinted lenses. They emphasized insufficient medical evidence to recommend wearing them at all times, including indoors at school. The organizations advised considering individual needs and consulting an ophthalmologist or school physician if unsure.\n\nSimple measures like wearing a hat or seeking shade can provide adequate UV protection. Sunglasses are ideal during prolonged outdoor activities or sports. The recommended measures should be tailored to the situation. Importantly, outdoor play should not be entirely avoided for UV protection, as light levels above 1,000 to 3,000 lux are beneficial for myopia prevention. Even in shade, outdoor light levels still exceed 6,000 lux, while indoor light from a bright window typically measures only about 800 lux. Children also benefit from more opportunities outdoors to gaze at distant buildings and mountains, which naturally encourages their eyes to focus farther away.",
  "summary": "TOKYO -- Along with sunscreen for their skin, sunglasses are gaining attention as a way to protect children's eyes from ultraviolet rays. However, Jap",
  "key_points": [
    "Japanese experts advise protecting children's eyes from UV rays.",
    "Sunglasses popular, but UV penetration deeper in children's eyes.",
    "Hats, parasols, and UV-blocking sunglasses recommended."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}