Hardly are sunglasses looked at as an important health aid in our lives, other fashion wear. We pull out the designer sunglasses in summer as a fashion accessory and for protection against the sun’s rays but promptly discard them as autumn arrives. Big mistake!
The UV radiation does not go away with the sunlight, and you are still at risk of exposure. The winter light is as damaging to your eyes as are the harsh winds during this time. That is why it is important to wear your sunglasses all year round to maintain good eye health.
Protection from the glare menace
Winter spreads out the largest reflective snow canvas that continuously assaults your eyes with dazzling UV-laden light from all angles wherever you are. Whether you are on the sidewalk, driving, or looking out the window of your home. The glare from snow can be devastating to your eyesight. The squints and temporary blindness may be discomfort and distraction, but the damage to your retina is worse and possibly irreversible.
In summer, it is the direct sun rays carrying the lethal UV radiation that is all around us. While in summer, the danger of adverse effects from UV radiation exposure is obvious to most people, the same is not true for winter. The mild heat from the sun on the horizon gives people a false sense of security from the harmful rays.
Whatever time of the year, for as long as the sun is out, the danger of exposure to UV radiation is ever-present. If you are out driving in winter and find yourself battling with glare in your windshield, figure out how to get glasses fast to protect your eyesight.
Protection from harsh winds and particulate
Cases of watery eyes, irritation, and dry eyes escalate in winter, and everyone going outdoors will complain of one or the other. The cold wind causes a reactionary effect on the eyes that is irritating and uncomfortable. Lack of moisture in the winter air dries the surface of the eye, further aggravating an uncomfortable condition.
In summer, you are still exposed to winds but laden with harmful particles and dust. These minute objects blown into the eye can cause scratches on the delicate surface and impair normal refraction. In serious cases, the dust particles can cause corneal abrasions leading to more serious complications.
Wearing good quality sunglasses all the time when outdoors is the best protection for your eyes. Choose frames that have a close fit in a wraparound design that covers the eye from the sides as well. The sunglasses act as a windshield for your eyes and help maintain their natural moisture to prevent evaporation.
Sunglasses shield your eyes from UV radiation
While skin tans or sunburn may be familiar to many, getting an eye sunburn sounds unreal and is easily dismissed. Well, there is such a thing as corneal sunburn, also known as photokeratitis – a serious condition that can impair your vision. This condition is caused by exposure to harmful UV radiation from the sun.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) condition is also accelerated by exposure to the sun’s UV rays. The eyelids and the skin around the eyes are thin and delicate, requiring protection from harsh UV radiation that can cause cancer. Persistent exposure to UV rays can lead to growths – pterygium – that extend to the cornea, blocking vision
All these conditions are caused by exposure to the harmful rays of the sun that are present all year round. Wearing sunglasses is one way you can protect your eyes and retain your vision.
Avoid eye strain and reduce headaches
Eye strain occurs when your pupils automatically constrict to reduce the amount of light coming in or dilate to allow in more light in dim conditions. Conditions with bright lighting are present in summer as much as they are in winter. The constant pupil constriction in these conditions causes strain in the eye and, in turn, leads to headaches.
Being out in bright light, especially the snow reflected-winter light, can exert extreme strain on the eye, causing migraine level headaches. Protect yourself from the squinting discomfort and the health of your eyes by wearing wraparound sunglasses. Remember that in winter, the sun rays come from a low angle and hit your line of vision more directly. With glares bouncing off the snow as well, this doubles the exposure to UV radiation from the sun.
Snow, ice, and water are some of the most efficient reflective surfaces, even in low lights. Whether the sun is visible or not, the UV radiation is more intense at high altitudes during the day. In these conditions, you can easily get snow blindness when enjoying your skiing unless you wear protective polarized sunglasses. Purpose-designed goggles are the best for snow activities. And it will protect the health of your eyes as you enjoy winter sports safely.
