Electronic Focusing Eyewear
The Winter Sun and Your Eyes
Winter has officially arrived, which means in some places biting winds and frigid precipitation are also in the forecast. You would never even contemplate of leaving the house without a coat in cooler climates; nevertheless surprisingly, far too many people leave their sunglasses at home. While the sun may not be our first consideration during times that we are battling the freezing winter climate, the sun is still shining down in colder climates, and in certain circumstances can be even more powerful.
They didn't write a song called "winter wonderland" for nothing. In particular in the aftermath of a snow storm, the world around takes on a sparkling glow due to the sun's rays reflecting off of the water molecules blanketing the ground and the trees. In fact, without sunglasses it can downright hurt your eyes when you first leave the house after a heavy snowfall. The UV sunlight that most people are so careful about during the summertime can actually be more hazardous in the colder season due to the fact that it bounces off the snow or ice, giving you a second exposure. This is why sunglasses are a crucial part of your winter wardrobe.
Although you want to look great in your shades, the most important part of deciding upon a pair of sunglasses is checking that they will properly protect your eyes. Make certain they are 100% UV blocking by looking for confirmation that they block all light up to 400 nanometers - UV400. Don't worry, proper sun protection isn't necessarily expensive. Dozens of reasonably priced options exist that still provide complete ultraviolet protection.
Another important consideration in picking the right sun wear is frame size. You want to make sure the lenses are large enough to completely shield your eyes and if possible the surrounding areas. The larger the surface area covered by your sunglasses, the less harmful radiation will be able to penetrate. Lenses that wrap around the temples will also prevent UV waves from sneaking in through the periphery.
For the skiers or snowboarders out there, you should be aware that the sun's rays are more powerful at higher altitudes, so it's wise to be even more careful to keep your eyes shaded on the ski slope. Another way to add extra protection is to wear a protective hat with a wide brim or visor.
Make a point to be knowledgeable about the dangers of UV damage to your eyes throughout the year. Don't leave home without your sunglasses.