Winter’s Glare: Why Sunglasses Are Essential

Many people believe that wearing sunglasses during winter is unnecessary. But the reality is, regardless of the season or weather conditions, the eyes are highly vulnerable to harmful UV rays, damaging glare, and unpleasant environmental conditions. 

Whether you rely on prescription lenses to see the world clearer or are simply looking for a pair of high-quality shades, like the Just Sunnies polarised sunglasses, to cap off your stylish winter wardrobe, the perfect pair of sunglasses should be a staple item in your clothing must-haves across every season.

UV Light Protection

Ultraviolet, or UV light, is a sneaky and potentially dangerous threat to our eyes throughout the year. While glasses have long since been adopted as an integral part of fashion and comfort, their primary function is to ensure your eyes are sufficiently protected from harmful UV rays year-round. Ultraviolet light frequencies are invisible to the human eye and are categorized as UVA and UVB. Sunglasses specifically designed with UV protection block these frequencies and ensure your eyes and the surrounding skin are fully protected. 

It may sound somewhat contradictory, but the UV index can often be higher in bright and snowy conditions compared to the hottest days of summer. This is primarily because research has shown that as much as 80% of UV light is reflected off snow, nearly doubling your exposure. 

Snow Blindless Prevention

While it is highly unlikely you will tackle the great slopes of Mount Everest this winter season, there is a reasonably good chance you have heard the term ‘snow-blindness’ at least once in your life. Snow blindness is a medical condition caused by increased exposure to UV rays from the sun reflected off the snow. It is classified as a type of photokeratitis, a medical term used to describe sunburnt corneas. 

While those who spend extended periods of time outside during the snowy winter months are more at risk of developing this painful condition, any long durations of overhead or reflected sun exposure can lead to a temporary loss of vision. Before embarking on any skiing, snowboarding, or hiking winter adventure, be sure to invest in a pair of dark, quality lenses to ensure your eyes are properly protected, whatever the weather. 

Reduced Eye Strain

Our pupils naturally narrow in bright conditions to minimize the amount of harsh light that reaches the retina at the back of the eye. However, when this bright light is unexpectedly reflected off surfaces like snow or ice, the pupil doesn’t have enough time to adjust the incoming light properly, causing us to squint. This repetitive motion will inevitably lead to unwanted eye strain. 

During the winter season, the cold, wet weather increases the risk of reflected glare. This is usually the result of sunlight reflecting off wet pavements, frozen puddles, and shiny road surfaces. On clear but frigid days, this glare becomes condensed and intensified, making it nearly impossible to see, especially if you are facing the sun. 

Wearing sunglasses with at least category three lenses will be dark enough to prevent light from straining your eyes without compromising your ability to see your surroundings clearly. Reducing visual fatigue will allow you to fully enjoy the winter sun without any associated headaches or frazzles. 

Driving Safety

Sunglasses are a valuable and effective tool to help you avoid distraction from blinding glare while driving during the day. While some sunglasses are specially designed to be worn while driving, remaining highly functional in all conditions, from overcast and rainy weather to bright sunlight, any pair of high-quality sunglasses will work effectively. 

Alternatively, you can opt for gradient tint sunglasses for daytime use. They are designed to be darker at the top of the lens, fading to a more transparent shade in the bottom section. The darker top section will shield your eyes from overhead sunlight, while the clearer portion makes it easy to see the road and navigate your dashboard. 

Lowers Eye Disease Risk

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can increase the chance of developing a wide range of diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), corneal sunburn or snow blindness, cataracts, and skin cancer around the eyes. 

Good quality sunglasses will reduce the effects of UV rays on delicate eyes, protect the sensitive skin around the eyelids, help prevent the onset of premature wrinkles developing around the eyes, and significantly lower your risk of long-term eye damage.

Element Protection

There are few things more unpleasant than having dust, sand, and other debris blown into your eyes. In winter, when the weather is colder, wetter, and more windy, harmful debris is more likely to blow into your face and eyes. Furthermore, cold air isn’t able to hold as much moisture as warm air, meaning your tears evaporate quicker, leaving your eyes dry and uncomfortable. 

By wearing sunglasses, you can lower the impact of sharp, cold wind that hits your eyes and minimize the evaporation of your tears to support your eyes in maintaining their natural moisture. 

The extra layer of protection that sunglasses provide ensures you are well-protected from the natural elements and reduces the likelihood of irritation or dryness that is typically associated with colder temperatures.