Do you remember back in May when the temperatures were warm, we were planning trips to the beach, and I talked about the importance of protecting your eyes with quality sunglasses? While the lazy days of summer may be distant memories, that certainly doesn’t mean it’s time to stop thinking about protecting your eyes.
Believe it or not, sunglasses are just as important in the winter! While we may not think the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays feel as strong in the winter, they are often even more intense this time of year. “Winter glare,” the intense reflection from snow and ice, can interfere with your vision. Sunglasses provide protection for your eyes from the ever-changing light conditions that winter weather can bring, while also serving as a wind block, protecting your eyes from drying, and keeping them comfortable. Regardless of the temperature, exposing your eyes to UV rays without the proper protection can lead to serious damage. So, don’t pack those sunglasses away with your shorts and t-shirts just yet!
Remember, there is a large difference in the quality of sunglasses on the market. We highly suggest purchasing even non-prescription sunglasses (perfect for contact wearers!) from a reputable optical shop to ensure quality. Here are a few suggestions for your future sunglass purchases:
- Look for lenses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation
- Buy lenses that screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light;
- Gray lenses are preferable, as they do not modify color, but brown and green are good choices, too.
Good UV radiation protection doesn’t have to be outrageously expensive. We carry a wide variety of sunglasses that offer 99-100 percent UV protection across the price spectrum from makers such as Vera Bradley, Tommy Bahama, and Gucci.
If you would like to know the amount of UV blocked by your current sunglasses, we have a piece of equipment that will measure it. Just stop by any time during business hours. I will measure your glasses, and I’d love to show you what we have to offer.