Winter UV Exposure and Your Eyes

Winter has officially arrived, which means in some locations whipping winds and freezing rain, snow and sleet are also in the forecast. Most of us wouldn't ever think of leaving the house without a heavy sweater or coat in overcast conditions, however surprisingly, a lot of people don't think to take their sunglasses. Although the sun may not be our primary concern when we are bundling up against the freezing cold, the sun is still shining down in colder climates, and sometimes can be even more powerful.

For times when you find yourself snowed in, it is wise to be even more cautious. Especially after a blizzard, the blanket of snow covering the ground, trees and everything else in sight, actually magnifies the reflection of the sun's rays. In fact, in many cases it can downright hurt your eyes when you first leave the house after a fresh snow. The ultraviolet radiation that we are all so vigilant about in the summertime may actually be more hazardous during the colder season due to the fact that it reflects off the snow or ice, resulting in double exposure. This is why sunglasses are a crucial part of your winter wardrobe.

Even though it's important to pick a style you look good in, the most important part of choosing sunglasses is being certain they provide adequate protection against UV. Ensure 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.) Don't worry, you don't necessarily have to pay more for full coverage for your eyes. Dozens of inexpensive options exist that still provide complete ultraviolet defense.

Another important factor in picking the right sun wear is lens size. You want to make sure the lenses 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 enter. Lenses that wrap around the temples will also prevent radiation from sneaking in through the sides.

For the skiers or snowboarders out there, it’s important to be aware that UV radiation is more powerful at peak heights, so you need to be particularly sure to keep your eyes shaded on the slopes. For further protection put on a wide brimmed hat that covers your eyes.

This wintertime, keep warm and stay protected! Make your sunglasses a fixed part of your routine.