Top 4 reasons to wear your sunglasses this winter
When you’re packing away your warm-weather clothes for the coming winter months, you may feel tempted to put away your summer shades too. But your sunglasses are a necessity year-round. Whether you’re planning on hitting the slopes this winter, or hunkering down and waiting for the cold months to pass by, here are four reasons that you should keep your shades on this winter.
Reduce glare
When snow and ice cover every surface in sight, it can create a beautiful winter wonderland. But when the sun reflects off of those icy surfaces, it can cause a glare and reduce visibility, creating particularly dangerous conditions for those driving or participating in outdoor winter activities. Plus, the sun sits lower in the sky during the winter months, meaning you may be exposed to more direct sunlight during your evening commute or afternoon ski-run.
Wearing sunglasses when you are outdoors or driving around in the winter ensures that you can safely and comfortably see your surroundings.
Prevent eyestrain and headaches
Your pupils dilate and constrict to control how much light enters your eyes. When conditions are dim, they dilate to allow as much light in as possible. But when your surroundings are very bright, your pupils constrict to prevent too much light from entering your light-sensitive retinas.
Your pupils are limited in how much they can constrict, so your body will naturally search for other ways to protect your eyes from a light that’s too bright. That’s why in extremely bright conditions, you may feel the urge to squint your eyes. If your pupils are constricted and your eyes are squinted for too long, you may experience uncomfortable headaches or eyestrain.
Sunglasses limit the amount of light that reaches your eyes, allowing your pupils to dilate more naturally and reducing your instinct to squint. When you allow your eyes and facial muscles to relax, you can avoid unnecessary tension and discomfort.
UV rays don’t take a vacation
While you may hear a lot about protecting yourself from UV rays in the summer, it’s just as important to protect your eyes and skin in the wintertime. Your eyes are still exposed to these harmful rays, whether it’s December or July.
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause eye damage, including cataracts, macular degeneration or photokeratitis (a painful inflammation of the cornea sometimes known as “snow blindness”). Always make sure to wear UVA/UVB protective sunglasses when you’re outside this winter to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Protect your eyes from wind and debris
Icy cold winds can cause your eyes to dry up, making them feel scratchy and uncomfortable. Plus, those icy winds can also carry dust particles that could irritate your eyes. Sunglasses can help your eyes preserve moisture and protect them from debris.
Looking for a new pair of shades to protect your eyes this winter? Stop into any L.O. Eye Care location to check out our collection of prescription and non-prescription sunglasses. Our optical department carries countless lens options, so you can find the perfect shades to meet your style and budget.