Winter has officially arrived, which means in some locations biting winds and frigid rains and sometimes snow are also on their way. You wouldn't ever conceive of leaving the house without a jacket in freezing climates; nevertheless surprisingly, far too many people leave their sunglasses behind. While the sun may not be our first consideration during times that we are bundling up against the freezing winter climate, the sun's rays are still in full force in colder climates, and in certain circumstances can be even more powerful.
On occasions that you frequent an area with snow, it is wise to be extra cautious. In particular after a serious snow fall, the world around takes on a sparkling glow as a result of the sunlight reflecting off of the water molecules blanketing the earth. In fact, without sunglasses it can hurt to open your eyes when you first step outdoors following a glistening snow. The UV sunlight that many of us are so careful in protecting ourselves against during the heat of the summer can actually be more dangerous in the wintertime due to the fact that it reflects off the snow or ice, resulting in a second exposure. This is why a pair of sunglasses is an essential part of your winter attire.
Even though it's important to feel great in your shades, the most important part of choosing sunglasses is checking that they provide adequate protection against UV. Check that your sunglasses block 100 percent of UV light by checking for an indication that they block all light up to 400 nanometers - UV400. The good news is proper sun protection isn't necessarily expensive. Many of the more inexpensive options exist that still provide complete defense.
Another important consideration in selecting sun wear is the size of the frame. You will have the most protection when your glasses cover as much of the area around your eyes as possible. The larger the surface area covered by your sunglasses, the less harmful radiation will be able to enter. Lenses that wrap around the temples will also prevent radiation from entering from the periphery.
For the skiers or snowboarders out there, it’s important to know that the sun's radiation is more powerful at higher elevations, so you need to be particularly careful to guard your eyes on the slopes. For additional protection put on a wide brimmed hat that covers your eyes.
Make a point to be informed about the dangers of the sun's radiation to your eyes all year round. Make your sunglasses a fixed part of your routine.
Watch animated 3D videos about common eye conditions.