Sunglasses and flip-flops are generally considered a summer accessory, but even though it’s winter there’s no need to pack those sunglasses away along with your other summer items! Make sure to keep them handy because those harmful UV rays can still easily damage your eyes, and yes even with snow on the ground!
In fact, you have double UV exposure during these winter months since the sun actually sits differently in the sky so the cement, as well as the snow, can reflex the sun’s rays upward and if you don’t have sunglasses on this can easily do damage to your sensitive, unprotected eyes. Skiers and snowboarders know this all too well, as they can get what is called “snow blindness”, which happens when the sun reflects off the snow into one’s eyes and causes the eyes to become sunburned, ouch! Plus consistent exposure and damage from these UV rays can damage your cornea and can accelerate the rate in which cataracts develops, which does typically happen as one gets older but please remember the sun can speed up this process. There are other reasons to wear sunglasses of course, they are stylish, can help prevent eyestrain headaches, offer excellent protection from the wind and can help prevent sand, dirt, bugs (yuck!) and other fine particles from entering your eyes. Sunglasses are also great at preventing the symptoms that’s associated with dry eyes, and winter is typically the worst time for those who suffer from dry eyes.
Remember to wear hats as well, which is an easy thing to do during the winter, just make sure you have one that helps block the sun from your eyes. Also to take note, there are other factors that can make your eyes more sensitive, for instance birth control pills, antibiotics, herbs, diuretics and other commonly used drugs and supplements can make the eyes more sensitive to the sun, making it much easier to catch a sunburn so make sure you cover up those eyes this winter!