Three Reasons Why You Should Wear Sunglasses In Winter

Everybody wears sunglasses in summer. After all, that is why they are sunglasses and not snowglasses, right? Yet, you should be wearing your sunglasses in winter as well! Here are some important reasons why.

The Glare off of the Snow

If you have ever stepped outside on even a partly sunny winter's day, your eyeballs are blasted with dazzling light. It is not just the whiteness of the snow. It is the sun bouncing off of trillions of frozen water crystals. Each snowflake is able to split and project the sun's rays like the refracting crystals in a laser. That is akin to intentionally staring into the sun for five minutes straight. Wearing your shades protects your eyes from the multiplied amount of light.

The Additional UVA/UVB Rays

What does not blind you when you step out into the wintry world will definitely damage your retinas. UVA and UVB light is not only present in summer, but all year long. In winter, it is much worse because there is nothing in the outdoor scenery to deflect these rays or shield your eyes. Sunglasses in winter act as a shield, something they already do. However, in winter, the sunglasses are not aided by trees and leaves swaying in the breeze, or the absorption of those rays by every green and growing thing. The natural shielding of the warmer months is gone.

Sunglasses Take the Sting of Bitter Cold away from Your Eyes

Your eyes produce a lot of tears to keep them moist. Your eyes also contain a jelly-like substance that does not respond well to extreme cold. Subzero temperatures and a wind make you tear up to try and keep your eyes moist and warm.

Then the extreme cold tries to freeze your tears, causing you to tear up more. Your eyes then feel painful, and dry once you go back inside. You do not have to experience this at all when you wear a good pair of sunglasses. The sunglasses cut the cold wind and prevent any sharp sensations of freezing.

Winter Can Be More Brutal Than Summer When It Comes to Your Eyes

Taking all of the above into account, the winter can be more brutal on your eyes than summer can. At least you do not have to fight bitter cold, and extreme heat and humidity does not affect your eyes. You still have UVA and UVB rays, but you can go without sunglasses for short periods of time with lesser risk of damage than in winter. Of course, your eyes are never blasted by trillions of reflecting crystals in summer either.

Contact a business like Wolcott Optical Service LC to learn more.


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