Why You Should Wear Sunglasses In Winter – Catwalk Eyewear

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Why You Should Wear Sunglasses In Winter

Why You Should Wear Sunglasses In Winter

Sunglasses are non-negotiable in the summer wardrobe. This is because the UV index, the ultraviolet radiation that causes daily sunburn, is highest in spring and summer.

This means the light is much brighter and more likely to cause glare and prevent you from seeing well without sunglasses.


As winter approaches, most people will likely keep their best sunglasses in their closet for the summer; many even believe that no one wears the best sunglasses in winter, but lately, we are seeing more and more people wearing their sunglasses in winter and one wonders Why should you wear sunglasses in winter period? 


In reality, you still have to wear sunglasses with 100% UV rays protection lenses in winter. As long as the sun is shining, UV rays are present all year round, depending on the weather conditions. So putting on your pair of sunglasses in cold weather is just as important as protecting your eyes from the sun's rays in hot weather.


Usually, sunglasses are associated with the beach, travel and summer. However, because we don't see much sun in winter, it's easy to forget that your eyes are still vulnerable to damage during the months.


The snow on the floor can reflect light into your eyes, causing glow, eye exhaustion, clouded vision, and discomfort. But you can easily conserve your eyesight by using sunglasses in your waterdrop or opting for a better winter pair of glasses. 



Sunglasses in Winter?


There is nothing weird about wearing sunglasses in winter. However, some people believe it is unnecessary to wear sunglasses in winter due to the cloudiness and low sunlight. The UV rays of sunny days have the same dangerous effect as the winter days' eyesight.  The eyes are even more exposed to danger in winter since you won't be dealing only with the UV rays but also with dirt, glare, and dryness. To have long-lasting good eyesight, it is advisable to use your sunglasses throughout the year, irrespective of the weather. 

These are some of the reasons why it is essential to wear sunglasses in winter:

They Safeguard Your Eyes Against Long-Term Eye Damage


UV rays may be higher in the summer, but the risk is throughout the year. It significantly increases in snowy areas and high mountains because of the brightness of the snow and ice and the closer vicinity to the sun.


According to the Mayo Clinic, the sun's UV rays can harm your cornea, lens, and other components of your eye, including the skin on your eyelids. Exposing your eyes to Ultraviolet radiation can increase the risk of you having various eye defects, such as cataracts, pinguecula and pterygium, and macular degeneration, which will cause blurry vision and might eventually lead to loss of vision if proper care is not taken. 


According to the World Health Organization, cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, with many cases believed to be worsened by UVB rays.


Macular degeneration can also occur after unguarded sun exposure, along with pinguecula and pterygium, causing yellowish, raised bumps on the whites of the eyes.


So, in either winter or summer, it is imperative to use your sunglasses to preserve your eyesight. 


Sunglasses Helps You to See Better

Wearing sunglasses when engaging in outdoor activities like cycling, driving, hugging, or hiking in the snow is essential to keeping your field of vision clear. 


The light snow and ice can cause severe glare because the snow reflects up to 80% of the sun's rays, unlike tiled roads or water. This glare can cause temporary loss of sight, which makes you vulnerable to accidents. That is why it is vital to have sunscreen in the winter when exercising or engaging in any sporting activities.  


Sunglasses can not only prevent your eyes from glare but can also guide your eyes away from snow and hail getting into your eyes. 


They Keep Out Wind, Dust and Debris

The most common complaints in winter are dry, watery eyes and general eye irritation. When cold air hits our eyes, they form reaction tears — those extra tears you get when your eyes are irritated. The tear evaporates quickly in strong winds, making your eyes dry uncomfortably.


When you wear sunglasses in winter, it reduces the rate of evaporation of tears from the eyes and natural moisture. It can also prevent contact lenses from drying out in the wind.


On a windy day, particles can quickly get into your eye with the help of the wind, causing scratching or even corneal bruises. But sunglasses protect your eyes from dust and dirt, especially if you have tight, wrap-around sunglasses.

Sunglasses and Goggles Prevent Snow Blindness

As mentioned earlier, snow reflects a lot of the rays that are coming from the sun, and if your eyes are not well protected during winter, you will be exposing your eyes to high UV rays. 


People who reside in a snowy climate should know about the crisp white powder, which is as beautiful as its brightness. The shimmering white snow and ice act like giant mirrors to the sun, reflecting light into your eyes and causing an ailment known as snow blindness  ( also referred to as photokeratitis )


Photokeratitis is a severe condition that can result in burns to your cornea and conjunctiva and can eventually lead to temporary vision loss.


Exposing your eyes to UV rays is dangerous to your eyesight. In addition, sun exposure can increase your risk of having various eye diseases, irrespective of the season.


In addition to preventing snow blindness, wearing sunglasses throughout winter helps reduce glare and vision-related headaches. So it's vital to choose the right glasses when picking the best ones for winter. 


They Reduce Eye Strain and Headaches

When your pupils are exposed to bright light, they cramp automatically and when in low light, they widen automatically. Eye strain occurs when your pupils cannot adjust to a comfortable brightness level, maybe under very bright or insufficient lighting. 


The retina, located at the back of the eye, is susceptible to light. So during the bright winter, your pupils won't be able to constrict enough to reduce light exposure, and this leads to you having headaches and also causes eyestrains.  


With the help of polarised lenses with 100% UV rays protection, the amount of light that reaches your eyes can be reduced. 

It Enhances Your  Look 

Apart from the primary purpose of protecting our eyes and providing us with several benefits, sunglasses help you to look stylish. Putting on a pair of sunglasses is not just a summer thing because the temperature has nothing to do with wearing sunglasses.


So when choosing sunglasses, choose the one that best suits your appearance and style. For example, skiers and snowboarders should consider sunglasses with blue filter lenses, which will make them see clearly. 

How to Choose the Best Sunglasses for Winter 

When picking the type of sunglasses you will use in winter, you must consider certain things, like what activities you will be engaged in. For example, if you are into sporting activities in the winter, you have to pick sunglasses that have a good grip so they do not fall off.


Photochromic lenses are best for people who spend more time outside. These sunglasses can darken when exposed to light and brighten in a dark environment. In addition, using this type of sunglasses will prevent you from using two pairs of glasses for both your outdoor and indoor activities, as they can be used for both. 


Before picking your glasses, you must also consider your face shape and skin colour. Of course, it would help if you stayed in style, so choosing a pair of sunglasses with your face shape and skin colour is crucial. 

Essential Things to Look For in Snow Sunglasses

After considering your face shape, skin colour and hair colour and you have picked the perfect glasses that suit your face; you have to take note of something like 


  1. The lens of the glasses is bigger: It will help in preventing dirt from entering the eyes. It also helps reduce glare.
  2. Look for a UV ray protection label: it is not about just putting on sunglasses; you must have one that blocks 100% UV rays from the sun. So before buying your sunglasses, you must check the UV ray protection label and have it tested so that you will rest assured.
  3. Safety and comfort: When picking your sunglasses for winter, choosing ones with impact-resistant frame materials and an anti-scratching coating on the lens is advisable.
  4. Go for polarised lenses: This lens filters the light that comes into the eyes and helps reduce glare. This type of glass is best for winter. 

CONCLUSION 


There have been misconceptions about the effect of UV rays on eyesight during winter, making many people believe that it is unnecessary to use sunglasses during winter. However, if there is any time your sunglasses are more needed, it is during the winter period. During this period, lots of dirt in the air can get into your eyes quickly. 


Apart from dirt, their glare in the summer is more because the snow reflects more light rays which may cause both long and short-term damage to your eyesight. So it is bests that you get a perfect pair of sunglasses suitable for the winter. 

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