Snow and Shades: Caring for Your eyes in the Winter

Sunglasses are not just a vital accessory for summer and its bright, glaring lights. People think that with all the cold and snow, there is no need to don sunglasses to protect from the eyes from any sun damage. It is something you actually need all year round, especially if you are always outdoors. The sun's harmful ultraviolet rays don't go away with the passing of summer.
The winter season is actually a time where there is more risk of eye damage due to sun exposure. The sun's rays (especially when it is reflected by the snow), coupled with the coolness and dryness of the air, can do serious harm over time. The angle of the sun during winter is lower and as such result in more UV exposure to the skin. Our eyes also suffer from more abuse due to the presence of heaters in the attempt to heat up your home.
With continued exposure to direct sunlight and glare, you can be at risk for:

• Dry eyes. The cold wind hitting the eyes (and the heaters in homes and other buildings) can cause them to dry up. It's best to ensure that your eyes stay moist or hydrated when you are going outside.
• Development of cataracts. This can primarily be due to continued sun exposure.
• Sun/snow blindness.  The winter sun can be unforgiving, especially when it is reflected in the snow or on top of the cement road while you are driving.

How Sunglasses can Help

Wayfarer sunglasses or goggles can do much to prevent sunburned eyes. The glare of the reflected sunlight on the snow can be deflected if you wear sunglasses, especially ones that are equipped with UV protection. It is important that you get quality sunglasses, not ones that only have tinted lenses but do not offer anything by way of UV protection. Your choice of sunglasses do not have to be expensive, you can save, be fashionable and still enjoy UV protection with wholesale designer sunglasses.
If you're going out for some time in the slopes or just enjoying a snowball fight, be sure to have your sunglasses handy. There are some great choices of colored lenses that are ideal for specific activities:

• Yellow colored lenses are useful in filtering out the blue light that is all the more intense when reflected in the snow. However, outside colors may be distorted even as depth perception is improved.
• Green colored lenses are great for time in the snow. Colors remain natural while UV rays are absorbed effectively.
• Brown colored lenses give great protection while you are driving, especially in low light or foggy conditions. This is ideal not just for driving but also for fishing, sailing or skiing.
• Grey colored lenses are the most ideal for the snow because it considerably decreases the intensity of the light while still retaining the natural color of the things around you. It is great for driving as it does not affect normal depth perception.

When choosing the lenses, select wholesale sunglasses that are also equipped with polarized lenses. These effectively filter out glare, which is particularly strong when you are doing outdoor sports. There are also sunglasses that have gradient lenses, where the tint is different from the top to the bottom.

Other Winter Eyecare Tips

• Use a humidifier at home to prevent your eyes from drying out. Keep eye drops on hand to wet your eyes when they start to feel dry.
• Make sure that your kids also wear sunglasses to also protect their more sensitive eyes.
• A wraparound style or bulk sunglasses with large lenses can add to the level of protection as it also shields the sensitive skin surrounding the eyes.
• Wear the proper winter clothes. These are not just to look fashionable in your winter wear. The purpose is to provide sufficient protection against the cold and the wind.
• Get sunglasses at wholesale at Olympic Eyewear. You can choose from the many polarized sunglasses that are available.