Reflection from ice and snow renders sunglasses a necessary item throughout the chilly winter season.
Hats, mittens, neck wraps: when we consider the season of winter, these necessary items are immediately thought of. However, a small number of individuals consider including sunglasses in this category. Sunglasses are often seen as summer items, correct? Not true! It’s equally crucial to safeguard our eyes in winter as it is in the heat. This is because UV rays, which pose a significant threat to our eyes, are especially potent during this time.
During the summer, wearing sunglasses is crucial for your look and eye safety. This is true not just for their fashionable appeal but also for shielding your eyes from harsh sunlight. Yet, a common misconception is that UV rays are more harmful in winter. In summer, the green environment only reflects about 6% of light, whereas snow reflects nearly 95%. To truly safeguard your eyes from irritation or severe issues, it’s important to choose sunglasses with top-notch lenses. This is because the sun’s UV rays, which are high in energy, can harm the retina. Considering all this, investing in high-quality sunglasses is a smart financial move.
Selecting the appropriate tint for the sunglasses’ lenses is also crucial. These lenses are categorized based on their level of protection. Tints like yellow, green, and blue are not recommended for the winter season. They fall into protection classes of 0, 1, or 2, or are classified as category S0, S1, or S2. Opting for grey or brown lenses is a better choice for winter. These should have a protection class of 3, or be classified as category S3. They also provide adequate protection in snowy terrains at high altitudes. Lenses with a protection class of 4 or category S4 are available for those with very sensitive eyes. However, it’s important to note that prescription lenses in this category are only needed when the UV radiation levels are exceptionally high; they should not be worn while driving.
A quality pair of sunglasses should also provide sufficient protection against blue light. This is important because blue light can harm the macula, the area of the eye where vision is most acute. If you’re currently wearing sunglasses and uncertain about their blue light protection, you can consult an optician to have them checked.
A helpful suggestion for winter activities: if you wear glasses, you might want to either get ski goggles custom-made to fit your prescription, or look for ski goggles that are big enough to fit your glasses on the inside. Some goggles have foam supports that are perfect for those who wear glasses, and they have extra space on the sides to fit glasses frames comfortably. These goggles fit well and don’t squeeze the glasses under them. It’s also a good idea to have ski goggles with side seals to block out cold air.