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The Winter Sun and Your Eyes
Winter is officially here, which means in some parts of the country biting winds and freezing rains and sometimes snow are also on their way. The majority of us wouldn't ever think of leaving the house without a coat in icy conditions; nevertheless surprisingly, far too many people leave their sunglasses behind. Although the sun may not be our first consideration during times that we are battling the freezing cold, the sun is still shining down during the winter months, and in many instances can be even more powerful.
They didn't write a song called "winter wonderland" for nothing. Especially in the aftermath of a serious snow, the blanket of snow covering the world around you actually intensifies the reflection of the sunlight. In fact, in many cases it can downright hurt your eyes when you first step outdoors after a heavy snowfall. The UV sunlight that most of us are so careful in avoiding during the summer months can really be more hazardous in the winter months because it reflects off the snow or ice, giving you a second exposure. This is the reason good sunglasses are a crucial part of your winter wardrobe.
Although you want to pick a style you look good in, the most important consideration when selecting sunglasses is checking that they will properly protect your eyes. Be sure the lenses are 100% UV blocking by checking for confirmation that they block all light up to 400 nanometers - UV400. The good news is proper protection for your eyes doesn't mean you have to buy the most expensive pair. Dozens of inexpensive brands are made with total ultraviolet coverage.
Another important consideration in picking the right sun wear is the size of the lenses. 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 radiation will be able to get past your sunglasses. Glasses with side shield will also keep radiation from entering from the sides.
If you like to ski or frolic in the snowy hills, you should know that UV radiation is stronger at higher elevations, so it's wise to be particularly careful to protect yourself on the hills. In addition to sunglasses, it's a good idea to add on a protective hat with a wide brim or visor.
Be knowledgeable about the risks of the sun's radiation to your eyes all year round. Don't forget to wear your shades.
