MARBURG Parents should give their children sunglasses to wear in bright sunshine, especially on southern beaches or in the mountains, DPA quoted a child health information service based in Marburg, Germany as saying.

The ultraviolet rays of bright sunshine can damage children's eyes, leading to an inflamed conjunctiva or cornea, or even retina problems, they say.

In choosing sunglasses, parents should pick lenses that absorb wavelengths up to 380 nanometers to ensure 100-percent protection. Sunglasses with just darkened glass can even be dangerous to the eyes because they widen the pupils, which thereby absorb more damaging rays.

Consumers should always buy spectacles that meet recognized industrial standards, and might even want to consult an optician, the experts say.

Sunglasses should not be worn in overcast weather or indoors because in the long-term this can make the eyes more sensitive to dazzling sunshine.