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Why Sunglasses are Important in Winter

As the temperature drops, we quickly remember to add items like gloves, hats and scarves to our accessory list, but our skin isn’t the only part of us needing protection. We often associate sunglasses with summer, failing to think of protecting our eyes in winter. While the sun’s intensity may seem stronger in hotter months, the sun can be even more harmful in winter.

Why Sunglasses are Important in Winter Months

Don’t let the cold weather or overcast conditions fool you. During the winter, the sun sits lower in the sky and at a more harmful angle than the summer. These sun rays can cut through haze, fog and clouds. If you are traveling to an area with snow, keep in mind that snow reflects up to 85% of the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Sunglasses can also protect you from the following common winter conditions:

  • The delicate skin around your eyes
    • This part of your skin is particularly susceptible to sunburn and ultimately skin cancer
  • Glare, which can become worse in snowy or frosty weather conditions
  • Wind and debris
  • Other elements that can cause dry eye

How to Choose the Right Sunglasses for Winter

Sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection provide full protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays. To reduce glare, be sure the sunglasses you choose are polarized. Lens color is also important when choosing the right sunglasses for you.

Dark Lenses

Dark lenses are ideal for everyday use and most outdoor activities. Brown, gray and green lenses are intended primarily to decrease glare and reduce eyestrain in moderate-to-bright conditions.

Brown lenses can cause minor color distortion, while gray and green lenses will not.

Light Lenses

Light lens colors like yellow, gold, rose, amber and vermillion excel in moderate- to low-level light conditions. They provide excellent depth perception and enhance contrasts in tricky, flat-light conditions, making them ideal for snow sports like skiing and snowboarding.

Shop for Your Winter Sunglasses at Occhiali

Check out our collections online and visit Occhiali Modern Optics for sunglasses that compliment and enhance your lifestyle, in style. Our professional opticians can further explain why sunglasses are important in winter and will provide you with an expert opinion for the pair(s) best for you.