Winter has officially arrived, which means in some locations biting winds and frigid rain, snow and sleet are also in the forecast. You would never even conceive of leaving the house without a coat in overcast climates; nevertheless unfortunately, many people don't think to wear sunglasses. Although many of us don't think about the shining sun during times that we are venturing out to the freezing cold, the sun's rays are still in full force in colder climates, and in many instances can be even more powerful.
They didn't write a song called "winter wonderland" for nothing. Especially following a snow storm, the blanket of snow covering the ground, trees and everything else in sight, actually magnifies the reflection of the sun's rays. In fact, it can be painful to open your eyes when you first step outside following a heavy snowfall. The UV sunlight that we are all so careful in avoiding in the summer months may actually be more hazardous in the colder season since it reflects off the snow or ice, resulting in a double dose of exposure. This is the reason sunglasses are an essential winter accessory.
Even though you want to feel great in your sunglasses, the most important part of deciding upon a pair of sunglasses is checking that they will properly protect your eyes. Check that your sunglasses block 100 percent of UV rays by looking for an indication that they block all light up to 400 nanometers - UV400. Don't worry, proper sun protection isn't necessarily expensive. Dozens of affordable options exist that still provide total UV 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 larger the surface area covered by your sunglasses, the less harmful radiation will be able to get past your sunglasses. Wrap around frames will also stop UV waves from entering through the sides.
Although it's much more commonly known these days that sunglasses are critical water gear because the water reflects sunlight, this also applies to wintery water as well. Therefore it is equally essential to wear sunglasses when out in the snow. Additionally ultraviolet exposure is stronger at high altitudes, so if you have plans to hit the slopes take this into consideration.
It's important to be knowledgeable about the dangers of the sun's radiation to your eyes all year long. Make your sunglasses a fixed part of your routine.