OOMC News

Sunglasses can be a staple for any outfit during the summer. They’re stylish, and more importantly, they can protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays when you’re running errands around town or spending some time at the shore.

However, sunglasses aren’t just a summertime accessory. As the temperatures drop and the snow starts to fall, you still want to make sure you have your sunglasses on hand. Here are a few reasons why.

Sunglasses Protect Your Eyes From the Sun in the Winter

The sun may not be as warm during the winter months, but it still emits harmful UV rays. When your eyes are exposed to UV rays, you may be at a higher risk of developing vision and eye problems, such as cataracts and even snow blindness.

Snow blindness is a form of photokeratitis, or corneal sunburn, that occurs when your eyes are exposed to UV rays reflected from snow and ice. Symptoms of snow blindness can include redness, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light. This common eye issue can cause discomfort, as if there is something in your eyes.

Fortunately, wearing sunglasses during the winter can protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays and prevent eye health issues.

Sunglasses Can Help Reduce the Risk of Dry Eye

The cold, dry air that comes with the winter season can take a toll on your eyes and lead to severe discomfort. Sunglasses can act as an effective barrier between your eyes and the cold, dry air of the season. So, make sure you have them handy when you’re outside to help minimize the risk of dry eye.

In addition to reducing your chances of getting dry eyes, sunglasses can help provide protection from debris and particles in the air, as well. Without a proper shield, snow and ice can come in contact with your eyes and cause corneal abrasions and even eye infections.

Sunglasses Make it Easier to See in the Winter

With snow and early sunrises, the sun can seem brighter throughout the entire winter. However, bright sunny skies during the season can make it more difficult to see, thanks to the glare created when the sun reflects off the snow. Luckily, a pair of polarized sunglasses can help reduce the glare and make it easier for you to see.

Polarized sunglasses are designed with a special filter that works to minimize intense light from reflective surfaces. Overall, they can reduce glares during the winter and improve overall visibility when the sun is shining bright.

While polarized lenses can improve visibility and protect your eyes from harmful rays, it may not be ideal for all winter activities. For example, polarized lenses can block light reflected from ice patches when skiing and make dangerous areas more difficult to spot as you’re heading down the slopes.

Sunglasses are more than a summertime fashion stable; they’re also ideal for ensuring visibility and protecting your eyes from UV rays and cold winds in the winter.

For more information about how sunglasses can keep your eyes healthy and safe during the winter, check out our blog.