Why You Should Wear Sunglasses in the Winter
Newsflash: Sunglasses aren’t just for summertime! It’s very important to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun year round. It’s no less important to wear sunglasses in the winter than it is in the summer. Don’t worry; it’s still fashionable to wear sunglasses in the winter too!
Both long and short-term exposure to UV rays can be harmful to your eyes and affect your vision. Extended exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays has been linked to eye damage, including cataracts, macular degeneration, pingueculae, pterygia, and photokeratitis that can cause temporary vision loss, according to All About Vision. Cancer around the eyelids and around the eyes is a possibility from sun exposure.
If you’re out in the snow, the risk of damage increases. According to the Sun Safety Alliance, snow can reflect up to 85% to 90% of the sun’s UV rays directly back into your eyes! Glare is an issue in the winter as well, whether you’re outdoors, skiing, or driving. For us in Asheville and the mountains, it’s important to realize that UV exposure is greater in the mountains. Exposure increases with elevation.
Protect yourself by wearing a pair of quality UV-blocking sunglasses. They should block 98% of UV rays, at the least. The frames should fit closer to your face and have wide lenses to cover and protect your entire eye area. Gray lenses are the best to maintain color quality. Be aware that the darkness of the tint does not mean it blocks more rays. Tint is purely cosmetic. Quality lenses help reduce glare, block rays, and overall help you to see better.
We have a large collection of prescription and non-prescription sunglasses, as well as eyeglasses that are available for our clients. We’re currently offering $50 off sunglasses with the purchase of a supple of contact lenses. Come by and see us and try on some frames! Our optical specialists can help you choose the right look.
