8 Reasons Why you Must Wear Sunglasses during Winter

Sunglasses are most people’s friends during summer. Nobody ever leaves their house without them and they are as trusty as your favorite pair of loafers. But when the temperatures begin to drop, the sunglasses are usually left to gather dust at the back of our closets.

It’s easy to consider sunglasses as a seasonal essential. They are, however, an important part of maintaining your eye’s health. Your sunglasses aren’t only important when you need to go to the beach on a sunny day. They are a staple 365 days a year for various reasons.

With prescription sunglasses, your eyes are protected from the UV rays of the sun, the glare of the snow, and other conditions you might be exposed to when spending time outside.  Prescription sports sunglasses online sites have an elevated everyday style with unrivaled quality and design. The glasses are an easy way of taking your outfit to the next level while protecting your eyes from ultraviolet rays and environmental stresses.

If you’ve landed on this page, chances are that you don’t think sunglasses are only meant for summer. Keep reading as we offer one reason after another that justifies your thoughts.

Reasons for Wearing Sunglasses During Winter

The biggest question that many people ask when it comes to wearing sunglasses is, do I have to wear them during winter? The answer is yes, because no matter the time of the year, our eyes need to be protected from ultraviolet rays.

It’s unfortunate, however, that no matter the health risks and warnings, reports from the Vision Impact Institute are not encouraging. This report found that although 75% of Americans are concerned about UV safety, only 31% wear sunglasses when they step outside.

For optimal eye safety, it’s recommended that you wear sunglasses that can block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. 75% to 90% of the visible light must also be screened out.

Continue reading as we tell you why it’s necessary that you wear sunglasses, especially, during winter sports.

1. UV Protection

Protecting your eyes from ultraviolet rays is one of the most important reasons for wearing sunglasses. Remember that UVA and UVB ultraviolet radiation is very harmful. They can cause a great deal of damage to your skin, potentially leading to skin cancer. Not just that, but they can also damage your eyes. These rays are the main culprits in some health conditions.

A cataract is one such condition caused by a clouding of the lens, hence, impairing vision. Other related disorders include cornea sunburn and pterygium, which is a growth on the sclera. This can potentially block your vision.

The harm that’s caused by UV rays doesn’t decrease in winter. That’s because the rays can become even more dangerous. Despite that, some people choose not to wear their prescription sports glasses during this time of the year.

You must note that wearing those prescription sports glasses is a crucial part of eye care. That’s considering that they protect our eyes no matter what the weather is.

2. They Prevent Snow Blindness

Water is one of the most reflective surfaces there is. Thus, whether the sun is fully visible or not, being near snow or ice increases the amount of UV radiation. Also, a lot of winter sports activities are carried out at high altitudes and the sun’s UV rays are usually stronger.

A combination of high altitudes and reflective surfaces doubles the risk of getting sunburned eyes. The temporary loss of vision is also referred to as snow blindness.

Apart from preventing snow blindness, wearing your prescription sports glasses helps to reduce winter glare. It also helps prevent vision-related headaches. Thus, the choice of buying prescription sports sunglasses online will be a prudent option if you intend to hit the slopes. There are a lot of online resources and tools that help you select appropriate sunglasses for skiing and snowboarding. 

3. They Fend Off Eye Diseases

The best safety prescription glasses do more than just keep your eyes comfortable. They also help to prevent certain eye diseases that are related to sun exposure. These diseases include:

• Pterygia

• Cataract

• Pinguecula

• Macular degeneration

Reports from the World Health Organization, show that cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world.  Macular degeneration also occurs due to exposure to the sun. This applies to pinguecula and pterygium which causes yellowish and raised bumps on the whites of the eyes.

Note that it doesn’t matter how bright or snowy the weather looks. You must have your sunglasses at all times. This will keep your eyes clear and healthy.  

4. UV Rays Intensify During Winter

You might be asking, is there a need to wear sunglasses during winter if their purpose is to block the sun? Yes, there is. In some cases, it’s even more necessary that you wear those sunglasses in cold weather.

The sun may sit lower in the sky during winter. But even so, UV rays are just as intense. In some instances, the colder months bring a risk of double exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Sunlight bounces off wet and icy surroundings. It then produces a glare doubling your exposure to harmful UV rays. So be sure to bring your safety prescription glasses when it’s wet and snowy outside. They will help to shield your eyes from the glare. 

5. They Protect Your Eyes From Elements

You must keep your eyes safe with the best safety prescription sunglasses if you enjoy winter sports. The glasses will not only shield your eyes from glare but will also protect them from wind and debris.

Harsh winds anywhere can evaporate tears resulting in dry eyes. Also, wrap-around sunglasses can prevent debris from flying into the eyes and causing corneal abrasions.

Close-fitting prescription sports sunglasses with wrap-around frames help amateur and professional athletes in protecting their eyes. This happens even in the harshest conditions. 

6. Sunglasses Are A Must for Winter Activities

Sunglasses aren’t only meant for the beach on sunny days as explained above. Everyone should be protecting their eyes even during winter.

Sunglasses should be part of your everyday driving routine if you are an adult. That’s because a car’s windshield provides very little protection from UV rays and glare. So you need protective eyewear for safety.

Outside leisure activities and exercises like running, skiing, and hiking, all call for proper eyewear. That’s because keeping your eyes protected makes the activities easy on the eye no matter your age. You can reach out and ask for prescription sports glasses online for the right sunglasses. This will help you to fit your activities and lifestyle. 

7. Better Clarity and Vision

Snow can easily cause problems with glare and your eyes’ visual perception. This can harm your eyes and is even more dangerous when driving or walking in places of high traffic.

It’s also dangerous for those taking part in sports activities. Wearing polarized sunglasses makes images sharper and clearer at the same time reducing the glare of the sun or snow.    

8. They Protect Your Eyes Against Irritation

It’s during winter that the general eye irritation is at its highest, from watery eyes to dryness. The cold air makes our eyes watery, causing irritation. Sharp winds, on the other hand, cause the opposite reaction as they evaporate the protective tear film at the front of your eyes. This leaves your eyes feeling dry and uncomfortable.

If you’re heading outside, it would be best to throw on your sunglasses. They will help your eyes in maintaining their natural moisture and avoiding irritation from cold and sharp winds.

Conclusion

Whether you regularly ride a snowmobile or not, it’s important that you find the right sunglasses to suit all weather conditions, including winter.

Schedule an eye exam and discuss your winter activities with an eye specialist. They will help you in finding the right eyewear to keep your eyes comfortable and protected during winter.