Protective Sunglasses More Critical in Winter Months, According to the Minnesota Optometric Association

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Protective Sunglasses More Critical in Winter Months, According to the Minnesota Optometric Association

Even on a hazy day, winter poses more danger of damage to your eyes than summer, so wearing protective sunglasses is advised by the Minnesota Optometric Association (MOA).

Even on a hazy day, winter poses more danger of damage to your eyes than summer, so wearing protective sunglasses is advised by the Minnesota Optometric Association (MOA).

"What people don't know is that there is more harm done from UV radiation in the winter months because you get snow glare-and UV rays end up hitting you from above and below your eyes," says Chad Christenson, O.D., president of the MOA and a family eye doctors at Cambridge Eye Associates, P.A., Cambridge, Minnesota. "UV glare or snow glare is especially dangerous during hazy sun conditions because people don't think they need sunglasses. In fact, there is risk of up to 85 percent of UV rays being reflected upward and that leads to sunburn of the yes or photokeratitis. And UV rays damage is cumulative so they are thought to contribute to eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts."

Snow blindness can be a concern for snow sport enthusiasts, or others who spend a great deal of time outdoors in the winter. Snow blindness damages the cornea, causes eye pain and extreme sensitivity to light. Sufferers may also feel like they have sand in their eyes.

"Skiers and snowboarders need to be especially careful," warns Dr. Christenson, "because the air filters out about four percent less UV radiation for every 1,000 ft. you are above sea level. That means that at 5,000 ft., which is an average elevation for many U.S. ski resorts, you will be exposed to 20 percent more radiation."

The MOA recommends people of all ages wear sunglasses in the winter months. "Protective eyewear should block out 100 percent of UV radiation, and polarized lenses are especially beneficial," Dr. Christenson advises. "Contact lens wearers should also use sunglasses even if their contact lenses include UV blockers."

Good UV radiation protection doesn't have to be expensive. Sunglasses that off 99-100 percent UV protection are available across the price spectrum. Does the lens color matter? Gray doesn't modify color, but green and brown are good choices also. And consider a broad brimmed style hat that offers additional protection from the sun.

Please see your family eye doctor for further information. To locate a doctor in your area please click here.

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