Winter brings dreary days and dropping temperatures, but don’t put your shades away. Wearing your sunglasses when it’s cold is just as important as shielding you from the sun’s rays when it’s warm.
So keep those sunglasses around (or opt for a special winter pair) to help protect your eyes from the harsh winter elements.
Here are five reasons you should reach for your sunglasses in winter:
1. Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays in winter
One big question everyone asks: Should you wear sunglasses in winter?
In short, yes. No matter the time of year, your eyes need protection from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.
However despite the health risks and warnings, some research studies show that while 75 percent of Americans are concerned about UV safety, only 31 percent wear sunglasses when they step outside.
For optimal eye sun-safety, the American Optometric Association recommends wearing sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays and screen out 75% to 90% percent of visible light.
2. Sunglasses should be worn for winter activities
Sunglasses aren’t just for sunny days at the beach or the slopes. In fact, everyone should be protecting their eyes in winter, too.
Because a car’s windshield may offer limited protection from UV rays and glare, wearing sunglasses while driving or riding in cars can help reduce exposure to the eyes.
Outdoor leisure and exercise like skiing, running and hiking also call for proper eyewear no matter your age.
Ask your eye care professional for recommendations for sunglasses to fit your activities and lifestyle.
3. Sunglasses may fend off some eye diseases
Certain eye diseases have been associated with long-term UV exposure, including cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), pinguecula and pterygia. Wearing sunglasses with 100% UVA-UVB lens protection may help reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world, according to the World Health Organization, with many cases believed to be impacted by UVB rays.
So whether the weather is looking bright or snowy, be sure to bring your sunglasses with you at all times to help protect your eyes when spending time outdoors.
4. UV rays are intensified during winter
If sunglasses are for blocking the sun, should they still be worn on dreary winter days?
Yes. And in some cases, it’s even more important to wear sunglasses in cold weather.
While the sun sits lower in the sky in the winter months, the UV rays are often just as intense. And in some cases, the colder months can bring a risk of double exposure to UV rays.
Sunlight can bounce off wet and icy surroundings, producing a glare and doubling our exposure to harmful UV rays. So if it’s wet or snowy outside, a pair of polarized sunglasses can help shield your eyes from the glare.
5. Sunglasses and goggles may prevent snow blindness
As mentioned above, water is one of the more reflective surfaces. And whether the sun is fully visible or not, being on or near snow or ice can increase the amount of UV radiation you receive.
Many winter sport activities also usually take place at high altitudes, where the sun’s UV rays are stronger.
When combined, reflective surfaces and high altitudes can double your risk of getting sunburned eyes. This temporary loss of vision is also known as “snow blindness” or photokeratitis.
In addition to reducing the risk of snow blindness, wearing sunglasses from November through March may help reduce winter glare and vision-related headaches. So if you’re hitting the slopes, selecting appropriate sunglasses for skiing and snowboarding is essential.
How to find winter sunglasses
Whether you ride a snowmobile regularly or not, it’s important to find sunglasses to suit your cold-weather needs.
Schedule an eye exam and discuss your winter activities with your eye doctor. They can help you find the appropriate eyewear to help keep your eyes protected through the winter months.
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