Guarding Your Eyes Against The Winter Sun
It's official! Winter is here, which means in some locations bitter cold winds and freezing precipitation aren't far behind. You wouldn't ever think of leaving the house without a heavy sweater or coat in freezing conditions; nevertheless surprisingly, far too many people leave their sunglasses at home. While many of us don't think about the glaring sunshine during times that we are bundling up against the freezing cold, the sun is still in full force in colder climates, and sometimes can be even more powerful.
For times when you find yourself snowed in, you should be even more cautious. Particularly following a heavy snow fall, the blanket of snow covering the world around you, actually magnifies the reflection of the sun. In fact, in many cases it can hurt to open your eyes when you first step outdoors after a fresh snow. The UV exposure that we are all so careful in protecting ourselves against during the heat of the summer may really be more hazardous in the wintertime because it bounces off the snow or ice, resulting in a double dose of exposure. This is the reason sunglasses are a crucial winter accessory.
Even though you want to pick a style you look good in, the most important part of selecting sunglasses is making sure they provide adequate protection against UV. Be sure your sunglasses block 100 percent of UV light by checking for an indication that they block all light up to 400 nanometers - UV400. Don't worry, proper protection for your eyes doesn't have to cost a lot. Dozens of inexpensive brands are made with total UV protection.
Another important consideration in picking the right sun wear is the size of the frame. You will have the most protection when the lenses totally guard your eyes and the areas around them as well. The more coverage you have, the less harmful radiation will be able to enter. Lenses that wrap around the temples will also stop harmful rays from entering from the sides.
Although it's much more commonly known these days that sunglasses are critical beach gear because the water intensifies sunlight, this also applies to frozen water sources including ice and snow. Consequently it is equally important to put on sunglasses during times when you go out skiing, ice skating or even taking a walk on a snowy day. Also ultraviolet exposure is more powerful at greater altitudes such as mountain ski slopes.
This winter, stay warm and keep your eyes safe! Make your sunglasses a fixed part of your routine.
