It's official! Winter is here, which means in some parts of the country whipping winds and cold rains and sometimes snow are also on the horizon. You wouldn't ever contemplate of leaving the house without a jacket in cooler climates, but unfortunately, a lot of people leave their sunglasses at home. Although many of us don't think about the glaring sun during times that we are venturing out to the freezing winter climate, the sun is still in full force in colder climates, and in certain circumstances can be even stronger.
On occasions that you find yourself snowed in, it is wise to be extra cautious. Especially following a serious snow fall, the world around takes on a glistening glow due to the sunlight reflecting off of the water molecules blanketing the earth. In fact, it can be painful to open your eyes when you first leave the house after a fresh snow. The UV radiation that we are all so vigilant in protecting ourselves against in the summertime can really be more hazardous during the wintertime since it bounces off the snow or ice, resulting in a double dose of exposure. This is the reason good sunglasses are a necessary winter accessory.
While it's important to feel great in your shades, the most important part of choosing sunglasses is being certain they will properly do their job. Make certain your sunglasses block 100 percent of UV rays by checking for an indication that they are labeled UV 400 (this means they block all light with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, which includes both UVA and UVB rays.) Don't worry, proper protection for your eyes doesn't mean you have to buy the most expensive pair. Many of the more affordable options exist that still provide full UV coverage.
Another important feature in picking the right sun wear is size. You will have the most protection when the lenses 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 enter. Wrap around frames will also stop UV waves from entering through the periphery.
Although it's much more commonly known these days that sunglasses are essential to wear on the water since the water intensifies UV rays, this also applies to frozen water sources including ice and snow. Therefore it is just as important to put on sunglasses during times when you go out in the snow. Additionally ultraviolet exposure is more powerful at high altitudes, so if you have plans to hit the slopes keep this in mind.
This winter, stay warm and keep your eyes safe! Make your sunglasses a fixed part of your routine.
