Children are more vulnerable than adults to the potentially eye-harming effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. And they spend more time outdoors. The more UV exposure, the greater the eventual risk of cataracts (clouding of the lens) and macular degeneration (breakdown of the central part of the retina).

That doesn’t mean you need to obsess about shielding your kids from the sun or worry about the occasional, inevitable lapses. But you should try to take some sensible precautions:

• Encourage kids to wear sunglasses when they’re outdoors, even on cloudy days. Look for pairs that say they block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, or “absorbs up to 400 nm of UV radiation.” Letting children choose their own sunglasses--and setting an example by wearing a pair yourself--boosts the likelihood that they’ll wear them. Wraparound styles protect the eyes from all angles. If they refuse to wear sunglasses, a broad-brimmed hat can reduce UV exposure.
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• Try to limit kids’ exposure to the sun when its rays are strongest--between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.