IT’S WINTER! TIME TO PUT ON YOUR SUNGLASSES!

Of course, we think of sunglasses as a summer accessory. But they’re also useful during the winter when we can’t see as much of the sun during our daily routines. Wearing sunglasses in the winter is just as important as wearing them in the summer. Snow and ice can reflect light into your eyes and cause glare, eye strain, impaired vision, and other unpleasant issues. So keep those sunglasses around (or opt for a special winter pair) to keep your eyes comfortable and protected from the harsh winter elements.

 

Although that may seem counterintuitive, mounting evidence supports the benefits of wearing sunglasses every day. Years of exposure to UV light can contribute to conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration that cause low vision and may even contribute to cancer in or around the eye.

 

Here are five good reasons to put on your sunglasses in the winter:

 

Cut the Glare

Sunlight is a natural source of light, and it’s pretty awesome. It keeps us warm, gives us vitamin D and helps plants grow. But sometimes, sunlight can be too much.

Glare is one example of this. Glare is a condition in which the sun’s rays reflect off surfaces like snow or water—or even windows—and make it difficult to see things enough that you want to do what you’re doing (like driving).

Sunglasses help reduce glare by blocking out harmful UV rays from the sun so that they don’t bounce into your eyes. This lets you see better on sunny days when lots of light bounce around!

Protect Eyes from UV Damage

While the sun’s rays don’t feel as intense during the winter, its damaging UV rays are still present. Your eyes are at risk of cumulative damage from unprotected exposure to UV rays.

When the leaves fall off of trees in the winter, there isn’t as much shade to prevent you from getting sunburned. And because the sun is lower in the sky, your eyes get more direct exposure to its rays in the winter than in summer. A high-quality pair of sunglasses that blocks 100% UV-A and UV-B rays is a must if you’re going to be outside for an extended period during the winter!

Protect from Wind, Dust and Debris

When it’s cold outside, your eyes are at risk for dryness and irritation. Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid this entirely—unless you wear sunglasses!

Wearing sunglasses in the winter protects your eyes from wind and dust particles that could otherwise irritate them. In addition, snow and ice can get into your eyes if you don’t have protection.

Avoid Snow Blindness

During the winter, when it’s sunny and cold outside, snow and ice act like mirrors, reflecting up to 85% of the sun’s damaging rays into your eyes. If you don’t wear sunglasses after a long day playing in the snow, skiing, snowmobiling or ice skating, you could get temporary snow blindness—also known as photokeratitis. This condition is managed with cold compresses and anti-inflammatory pain medications.

Sunglasses help protect your eyes from sunlight by filtering out harmful UV light, which can cause eye damage—wearing sunglasses will also help you see better on a bright day, especially if you’re skiing or playing outdoor sports like hockey or lacrosse.

Reduce Eye Strain & Headaches

Our pupils constantly adjust to the changing brightness around us, which happens quite frequently during winter.  If you’re looking at something bright, your pupils will constrict (or narrow down) so that less light reaches the sensitive retina in the back of your eye; when it’s dark, your pupils will dilate (or widen) so that more light can reach your retinas. Wearing sunglasses helps reduce exposure to bright sunlight, as does wearing photochromic lenses that darken automatically in sunlight or when exposed to reflections. If you’re under a lot of light for an extended period, the stress on your eyes can cause fatigue or even headaches. 

 

Want to protect your eyes this winter?

Whether you want to prevent glare, headache and eye strain, or damage from ultraviolet rays or debris, sunglasses can help! Winter is an ideal time of year to start wearing sunglasses regularly. If you’re ready for a new pair of shades, come in and talk to one of our knowledgeable staff members today! 

At Ambleside Optometry, we help you find a pair of sunglasses that complement your face shape and make you look great. We carry a wide selection of designer frames and contact lens brands, so we’re sure to find something that works for you. Give us a call today!