You Need to Wear Shades in the Winter too!
Winter has officially arrived, which means in some parts of the country whipping winds and cold precipitation aren't far behind. You would never even contemplate of leaving the house without a heavy sweater or coat in overcast conditions, but unfortunately, many people don't think to take their sunglasses. While the sun may not be our first consideration during times that we are venturing out to the bitter cold, the sun is still shining down during the winter months, and in many instances can be even stronger.
They didn't write a song called "winter wonderland" for no reason. Particularly following a heavy snow fall, the blanket of snow covering the world around you, actually magnifies the reflection of the sunlight. In fact, in many cases it can be painful to open your eyes when you first step outdoors following a glistening snowfall. The UV radiation that many of us are so vigilant about during the summertime may actually be more dangerous in the winter months since it reflects off the snow or ice, giving you a double dose of exposure. This is the reason proper sunglasses are an essential winter accessory.
Even though it's important to look great in your sunglasses, the most important part of deciding upon a pair of sunglasses is being certain they will properly protect your eyes. Check that they are 100% UV blocking by looking for an indication that they are labeled UV 400 (this means they block all light with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, which includes both UVA and UVB rays.) The good news is proper sun protection doesn't mean you have to buy the most expensive pair. Dozens of reasonably priced options exist that still provide total ultraviolet defense.
Another important factor in choosing sun wear is the size of the frame. You want to make sure your glasses cover as much of the area around your eyes as possible. The more coverage you have, the less harmful UV rays will be able to penetrate. Glasses with side shield will also keep harmful rays from sneaking in from the sides.
Just as most people are aware that sunglasses are critical to wear on the water since the water intensifies ultraviolet rays, this also applies to snow and ice. Therefore it is equally critical to wear sunglasses when out in wintery conditions. Further ultraviolet radiation is more powerful at high altitudes, so if you plan to go skiing or snowboarding, take this into consideration.
Make a point to be in the know about the risks of UV damage to your eyes throughout the year. Make your sunglasses a fixed part of your routine.
