Wearing sunglasses in the winter may seem odd, but eye doctors recommend it. You do not wear sunglasses during winter to block out the sun. You wear them to cut the sun’s glare and stop it from affecting your vision.

Winter can be more harmful to your eyes than any other season. Studies show snow and ice reflect up to 90 percent more reflective ultraviolet (UV) radiation during winter.

That means your eyes can experience nearly twice as much UV light during winter than in summer. So, why exactly are sunglasses important in the winter?

Keep Out Harmful UV Light

All year round, the sun releases harmful rays. That means your eyes need protection from them every season. Eye doctors recommend wearing polarized sunglasses with lenses that can keep out UVA and UVB light.

Polarized sunglasses are more suitable for winter because they cut the sun's glare more than other sunglasses. But that depends on where you live. If you are not experiencing much snow in your area, you can wear suitable non-polarized sunglasses to safeguard your eyes from direct sunlight.

Avoid Snow Blindness

Snow blindness happens when the sun’s rays reflect off icy and snowy surfaces. When excess UV rays reach your cornea (the clear outer part of your eye), they burn the cornea. That causes a sunburn that may result in temporary vision loss. 

Eye sunburn is especially risky at higher altitudes where the sun rays become more penetrating. To avoid snow blindness, wear protective goggles or sunglasses when outdoors. 

Guard Your Eyes Against Wind and Debris

If you enjoy the outdoors during winter, keep your eyes out of harm's way. You are not only looking to reduce glare but also to prevent wind and debris from hurting your eyes. Strong winds anywhere on a cold day can vaporize your tears, causing dry eyes.

Likewise, flying debris can enter your eyes and cause corneal bruises and abrasions. Close-fitting sun protection glasses or goggles with wraparound frames can safeguard your eyes in unforgiving conditions.

Minimize Eyestrain
 

Prolonged exposure to the sun’s glare during winter can cause eyestrain and headaches. In bright lights, your pupils constrict to adjust your eyes to a comfortable shine. With bright winter snow and sun, your pupils cannot narrow themselves enough to minimize light exposure. That causes you to squint your eyes to see clearer, resulting in eyestrain and headaches. Sun protection glasses will help you lessen the brightness that reaches your pupils. Photochromic lenses that dim automatically in bright lights are effective options.

Protect Your Eyes During Winter Activities
 

Ice, snow, traffic lights, and your car’s rearview mirrors all produce glare. This glare can harm your vision while skiing, driving, or walking. Outdoor winter fun and activities like running, skiing, or hiking call for suitable eye protection glasses to keep the events easy on your vision and eye health.

When you wear protective or prescription sunglasses, you will significantly reduce winter glare when going about your activities. Besides, your eyes will be much more relaxed.

For more on why you should still wear sunglasses in the winter, visit Clarity Vision at our office in Holly Springs, North Carolina. You can call (919) 646-2900 to book an appointment today.