Winter Has Arrived! Don't Forget Your Shades

It's official! Winter is here, which means in some parts of the country whipping winds and freezing rain, snow and sleet are also on their way. You would never even think of leaving the house without a heavy sweater or coat in overcast weather; nevertheless unfortunately, a lot of people don't think to put on their sunglasses. Although many of us aren't thinking about the glaring sunshine when we are venturing out to the freezing cold, the sun is still a present danger in colder climates, and in certain circumstances can be even more powerful.

For times when you live in or plan to visit an area with snow, it is wise to be extra careful. In particular in the aftermath of a snow storm, the world around takes on a sparkling glow thanks to the sunlight reflecting off of the snowy cover blanketing the ground and the trees. In fact, it can downright hurt your eyes when you first leave the house following a heavy snow. The ultraviolet exposure that we are all so careful about in the heat of the summer may actually be more hazardous in the wintertime since it bounces off the snow or ice, resulting in a double dose of exposure. This is the reason a proper pair of sunglasses is a necessary winter accessory.

While you want to pick a style you look good in, the most important consideration when deciding upon a pair of sunglasses is being certain they will properly protect your eyes. Make certain your sunglasses block 100 percent of UV light by checking for an indication that they block all light up to 400 nanometers - UV400. The good news is you don't necessarily have to purchase designer glasses for full protection from UV. Many of the more affordable brands are made with complete UV coverage.

Another important factor in selecting sun wear is size. You want to make sure your glasses cover as much of the area around your eyes as possible. The more coverage you have, the less harmful radiation will be able to enter. Glasses with side shield will also stop UV waves from sneaking in through the sides.

For the skiers or snowboarders out there, it’s important to be aware that ultraviolet rays are stronger at peak heights, so you need to be even more cautious to protect your eyes on the ski slope. In addition to sunglasses, it's a good idea to add on a wide brimmed hat that covers your eyes.

This wintertime, keep warm and keep your eyes safe! Don't leave home without your sunglasses.