4 Reasons why you should be wearing sunglasses in the winter

When asked what are the essential pieces of winter accessory, most of us would answer with winter boots, thick coat, scarf, a warm hat and mittens. But did you know that it wouldn't be such a bad idea to put sunglasses on that list as well?

Here's why:

  1. Eye protection

While there is no doubt that a little sunlight is good for you, we all know what happens when your skin is exposed to direct sunlight without protection. The skin becomes red, swollen and the whole experience is quite painful. It's not any different with our eyes. In winter months, bright UV exposure amplified by all the whiteness around you can cause photokeratitis, commonly known as snow blindness and often described as sunburn of the eye.

Sun rays in winter

It only adds to the issue that every 1000 meters increase in altitude, UV levels increase by 10% to 12% so whether you are planning on hitting the slopes or not, just being around snow without protection dramatically increases the danger of causing damage to your eyes.

  1. Reduce eyestrain & headaches

On a clear day, the sun shines up to 5,000 times brighter than an average light bulb. When something that bright hits your eye, a few things can happen. If it's only momentarily, what you'll be left with is a blurry splotch on your vision called an after image that usually clears up within a few minutes. When our eyes are exposed to to direct sunlight for longer durations of time they become tired, tense and we can even be greeted by a headache.

Woman with sore eyes

The pupil controls how much light reaches the eye retina in the back of the eye. When the light is bright the pupil constricts limiting the amount of light released through. However if the light is still to bright the pupil just can't constrict enough and we begin squinting which causes further eyestrain and headaches. Sunglasses work as a shield for our eyes so don't forget to bring your favorite pair with you wherever you go.

  1. Improving your vision

Are you a courageous explorer of nature, or more of a watching the city skyline in the sunset type of person? Whatever the case may be, we bet that squinting has made you redo more than one photo. As long as you are outside enjoying the warm sunlight in the winter you are also taking on many hazards. One of them is that we occasionally feel blinded or like our sight has gotten worse in a matter of seconds. You really don't want that to happen often especially when that can have some serious consequences.

Man driving

Imagine driving a car and suddenly not being able to see where you are going or what is coming your way. What is the solution? You have probably guessed correctly. Sunglasses are the answer. Sunglasses make you see clearly without irritation or squinting or eye watering, and most importantly, they help your eyes keeping the moisturizer we call tears. If the sun is shining or even if it's not (up to 80% of UV radiation goes straight through clouds), put on your favorite pair of sunglasses. Your eyes will be grateful.

  1. Fashion

If you don't care about your eyes, even though you really should as these are the only pair you're getting, you can still wear them just for the sake of them going really well together with your scarf. If wearing sunglasses makes you feel like a supermodel doing the catwalk or that heads will turn after you then there is absolutely no one that can stop you from wearing your favorite pair of sunglasses whether you're inside or outside, whether it's sunny, cloudy or rain pouring down. You'll still look amazing and your eyes are going to feel amazing as well.

Woman taking a selfie

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