Should I Wear Sunglasses in the Snow?

The short answer? Yes! While you may associate sunglasses with warm summer weather, it’s just as important to wear them in the fall and winter to protect your eyes.

Although you may not feel that the sun’s strength can damage your eyes during the cooler months, there are many reasons why wearing sunglasses in the winter is a good idea!

No matter the season, the sun’s UVA and UVB rays can cause damage to your skin and your eyes. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can increase your risk of eye damage, such as macular degeneration, lead to the formation of pterygium, and cause temporary but uncomfortable issues like photokeratitis (also known as snow blindness). Wearing polarized, UV-blocking sunglasses year round is crucial.

It’s important to note that the higher your altitude, the more UV rays you’ll face. Sunglasses or snow goggles are essential during a ski trip or holiday vacation to a higher altitude location.

Have you ever found the snow to be too bright to look at? Surfaces such as water, snow, and other wet, icy surroundings reflect up to 90% of UV rays. They also produce a glare, which can be hazardous. Glare may affect your ability to see while walking or driving and can lead to discomfort.

Wearing polarized, UV-blocking sunglasses will significantly reduce glare and enable you to see better in cold, bright weather.

Due to the cold air, many people find that their eyes are more dry, watery, and sensitive during the winter months. These issues can be compounded by wind and other foreign matter entering your eyes.

Wearing sunglasses can help reduce the evaporation of your eyes’ natural moisture from a windy day and prevent your soft contact lenses from drying out. Sunglasses can also keep particles from landing in your eyes and scratching them, protecting you from potential corneal abrasions.

We at Better Vision New Jersey are dedicated to keeping your eyes healthy all year long and ensuring you receive the highest-quality care possible. If you’re looking for your perfect pair of winter sunglasses, visit our Optical Shoppe today!

We have a wide selection of frames that fit every style. And, our experienced opticians will guide you through choosing a pair that suits your needs—no matter what they are.