The Importance of Wearing Sunglasses in Winter!

Posted on Sunday, January 12th, 2014 by Dr. Binoy Jani

Ophthalmologist Culpeper

Summer might be synonymous with the searing heat, the blazing sun and donning fabulous designer sunglasses while lazing on the beach, however, wearing sunglasses outdoors is important all the year around. The sun might not seem as intense or as hot in the winter and people make the mistake of not paying heed to wearing protective sunglasses. But the experts at Vista Eye Specialists, VA exhort that sunglasses be worn—come summer or winter.

Whether you go outdoors for a short period and even more so when you are out for a longer time span like for sporting events, exposure to the winter sun can damage various layers of the eye.

In fact, during the snowy season, the winter sun is lower in the sky and at a different angle, exposing your eyes to more of the sun’s harmful UV rays which can cause diseases related to aging, cataract and macular degeneration. The chilly winter wind whips at your face and stings your eyes which may lead to dry eyes.

The layer of pristine white snow in winter reflects 85 % the sun’s UV rays which could potentially burn your eyes and cause snow blindness. UV-related vision problems are common in the winter season as the sunlight glares off of the top of cement creating a bright, blinding reflection.

Vista Eye Specialists remind you that sunglasses are not just accessories to help you look cool and modish. Picking out the right kind of sunglasses for winter is the most efficient way to protect your eyes from the harsh winter sun. Protective eyewear with anti-reflective, polarized lenses that block out 100% of UV radiation is advised by Dr. Binoy Jani’s team of ophthalmologists at Vista Eye Specialists, VA.

When you visit Vista Eye Specialists, VA, for your eye exam, our ophthalmologists or optometrists measure UV protection using an instrument called a spectrometer. For any queries related to your vision this winter and all the year round, make an appointment with Vista Eye Specialists, Culpeper and Fredericksburg.

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