Guarding Your Eyes Against Winter UV Exposure
Winter has officially arrived, which means in some locations whipping winds and cold rains and sometimes snow are also on the horizon. Most of us wouldn't ever think of leaving the house without a coat in icy conditions, but unfortunately, a lot of people don't think to put on their sunglasses. Although the sun may not be our first concern when we are venturing out to the freezing winter climate, the sun is still shining down in colder climates, and in certain circumstances can be even stronger.
They don't call it a "winter wonderland" for no reason. In particular after a heavy snow fall, the world around takes on a glistening glow as a result of the sunlight reflecting off of the snowy cover blanketing the earth. In fact, it can downright hurt your eyes when you first leave the house after a glistening snowfall. The ultraviolet radiation that most people are so vigilant in avoiding during the summertime can really be more hazardous during the wintertime since it reflects off the snow or ice, giving you a double dose of exposure. This is why sunglasses are a crucial part of your winter wardrobe.
Even though you want to pick a style you look good in, the most important part of deciding upon a pair of sunglasses is being certain they provide adequate protection against UV. Make sure your sunglasses block 100 percent of UV rays by looking for confirmation that they block all light up to 400 nanometers - UV400. The good news is you don't necessarily have to pay more to guarantee complete protection from UV. Many of the more reasonably priced brands are made with full ultraviolet protection.
Another important factor in picking the right sun wear is lens size. 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 get past your sunglasses. Glasses with side shield will also keep UV waves from sneaking in from the periphery.
If you like to ski or frolic in the snowy hills, it’s important to know that the sun's radiation is more powerful at peak heights, so be particularly sure to keep your eyes protected on the hills. Another way to add extra protection is to wear a protective hat with a wide brim or visor.
This winter, keep warm and keep your eyes safe! Make your sunglasses a fixed part of your routine.
