Winter is right around the corner, and here in Pennsylvania, the snow is already falling. But, just because the temperatures are colder and the days are shorter doesn’t mean that you should leave your sunglasses at home. Though we often think of sunglasses as a part of our summer wardrobe, they are just as important in the winter months.

Harmful UV Rays

There are several reasons why you should continue wearing your sunglasses all winter long. In fact, the shorter days are a major factor — because the sun sets at a different angle and is lower in the sky than in the summer, there is potentially more exposure to harmful UV rays. These rays are known to contribute to eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. A pair of sunglasses can help to mitigate this risk.

This risk of UV damage to the eyes becomes even more acute when there is snow on the ground. The bright, white snow reflects up to 85% of UV rays right back into our eyes, which can cause immediate damage and sunburn on the cornea. If you’re out on a snowy day, especially if you participate in winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, a pair of sunglasses is an absolute must-have. Not only will they protect your eyes from sunburn, but they will also increase overall visibility.

Prevent Dry Eyes and Wrinkles

Cold, winter days are often accompanied by persistent, dry winds which can dry out your eyes leaving them red, irritated, and uncomfortable. A pair of stylish shades will block that wind and keep your eyes comfortable and healthy.

In addition to short-term effects like snow blindness and dry eyes, winter air and UV rays can contribute to wrinkled skin in the long-term. Sunglasses help to block the dangerous rays from the skin around the eyes, reducing wrinkles and skin damage caused by sun exposure.

Choosing Winter Sunglasses

Your summer sunglasses can certainly double as your winter sunglasses! For eye safety and health, choose a pair that blocks 100% of UVA and UVB light to maximize protection. A large pair of polarized lenses will keep your eyes healthy, provide glare-free vision, even in snowy conditions, and block sun from the delicate skin around your eyes.

We recommend Nupolar lenses, which are fantastic polarized lenses that provide maximum UV protection for a casual day out or a hardcore ski or snowboard session. Contact us for more information on all of our wholesale optical products.