Why Wear Sunglasses in Winter?
9 Reasons Why You Should Wear Sunglasses in Winter -
When you think of sunglasses, you probably think of hot and sunny summer days. You might not even think to put on sunglasses when it’s cold outside. However, there are many reasons it’s critical to wear sunglasses year-round. Even on an overcast winter day, UV rays can harm your eyes. You should always have your sunglasses on hand, winter, spring, summer, or fall. So, why wear sunglasses in winter…
1. Sunglasses Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays
Winter sunglasses? Yes! Though the sun may feel less intense in winter, UV rays are still hitting your eyes. UV light affects all parts of the eyes and can lead to corneal damage, cataracts, and macular degeneration over time. The best thing you can do for your eye health is to protect your eyes whenever you’re outside. That means wearing sunglasses with UV protection. All American Optical sunglasses feature 100% UVA/UVB protection.
2. Wearing Sunglasses in Winter = Safer Driving
The importance of wearing sunglasses in winter goes beyond UV protection, winter shades also reduce dangerous glare while driving. We’ve all experienced how blinding glare can be on the road. A quality pair of sunglasses, especially with polarized lenses, will reduce glare so you can better see any road hazards. Snow and ice create even more glare in winter as the sun reflects off them. Another feature of AO sun lenses is a backside anti-reflective coating. This prevents glare from bouncing off the insides of your lenses as you are driving.
3. Sunglasses Keep Out Wind, Dust, and Debris
If you’re wondering - is it weird to wear sunglasses in winter, just think of a cold windy day. It doesn’t take long for your eyes to dry out and tear up in these conditions, leaving you very uncomfortable. Wearing sunglasses outdoors in these conditions provides a barrier to keep the wind from hurting your eyes. If you wear contact lenses, sunglasses can also help prevent them from drying out while you’re in the elements.
Any object that enters your eye has the potential to cause damage. When you’re outside, you want to protect your eyes from anything blowing around - including snow and sleet in the winter.
4. Sunglasses Reduce Glare
Why else should I wear sunglasses in winter? They reduce glare. We touched on this to reduce wear while driving, but glare is always around us. Actually, in the winter, sun rays strike the Earth at a lower angle that increases the amount of glare. Reducing glare makes for safer driving, skiing, sledding, and any other winter activities. To further reduce glare, wear a pair of polarized sunglasses.
5. Sunglasses Reduce Eye Strain and Headaches
As much time as we all spend on screens these days, you’ve probably experienced eye strain. Eye strain also occurs outdoors. Being in bright light for long periods of time causes strain as your pupils struggle to adjust. Bright light doesn’t just mean summer sun, being out in winter snow is enough to overwork your eyes. Wear sunglasses year round to minimize eye strain that can lead to headaches.
6. High-Quality Sunglasses Can Lower Risk of Some Eye Diseases
High-quality sun lenses like AO’s block UV rays and reduce eye strain, lowering your risk for many eye conditions. Chronic sun exposure increases your risks of macular degeneration, cataracts, pinguecula (wear yellow bumps develop in the eye), and pterygia, or surfer's eye. Cataracts can be caused by UVB rays, so make sure your sunglasses offer 100% UVA/UVB protection, like AO sunglasses. Wearing sunglasses also protects the delicate skin around your eyes from skin cancer.
7. Wearing Sunglasses in Winter Makes Outdoor Activities More Comfortable
We highly recommend wearing polarized sunglasses for outdoor activities including water sports in summer and snow sports in winter. Polarized sunglasses effectively eliminate glare from water and snow and thereby eliminate your risk of snow blindness, which is essentially sunburn on your eyes. Reducing glare improves your vision which also serves to increase your performance in outdoor sports.
8. Sunglasses Prevent Snow Blindness
As just mentioned, snow blindness is a risk in winter. When skiing or participating in other activities at high altitudes, UV rays are stronger and can cause sunburn to unprotected eyes. You can temporarily lose your vision, so the condition is known as snow blindness. The best way to protect yourself is to wear sunglasses with UV protection.
9. Sunglasses Keep You Looking Stylish
You don’t only want to look good in the summer. Keep your style up throughout the year with sunglasses that enhance your style as well as protect your eyes. Choosing the right sunglasses for your face shape will not only protect your eyes, but can emphasize your best features and balance those that aren’t your favorite.
We love ushering in each season with a pair of sunglasses that complements our wardrobe. If you wear oversized shades in the summer, consider a smaller pair that matches your outerwear for winter to keep your look fresh.
Choose Your Winter Shades Today
Do people really wear sunglasses in winter? Can I wear sunglasses in winter? Yes and yes! Picking out a new pair of sunglasses you’re excited about is a great way to remember to put on your shades this winter. All American Optical sunglasses feature 100% UV protection and polarization can be added to all lenses to further reduce glare all year long. Use our virtual try-on feature to make sure the pair you choose provides good coverage around your eyes, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or for a recommendation.
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