You might be forgiven for thinking a cool pair of shades is purely an accessory for the summer months. Only trendies trying to look cool, celebs clamouring for some chic stylistic attention, and people with no concept of light and dark wear a pair of sunnies in winter, right? Well, probably.

But donning a pair of sunglasses during the winter climes of the January cold snap is widely regarded by eye experts as actually a very good thing.

Don’t believe me? Here are a few good reasons why slipping on the shades shouldn’t be just for summer.  

 

Sunglasses Reduce Glare

The inclement weather and perilous conditions of the chilly winter months don’t only throw up the hazards of slips, trips and falls. Ice, snow, water and reflections also cause a lot of (often blinding) reflections and glares – and that can impair your vision.

Being caught off guard by sudden glare is particularly dangerous if you’re skiing or, for most of us, driving.  Procuring a pair of solid, high quality sunglasses (Oakley, for example) can significantly reduce any distracting glare and make for much more comfortable vision.

Polarized and photochromic lenses are ideal for deflecting potentially dangerous reflections away from your eyes.   

 

Protecting your Eyes from UV Rays

Experts have shown a link between exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the development of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.   Initially, UV exposure damages the corneas, but the long term effect is damage to the cataract.  True, everyone’s eyes develop cataracts as they get older, but the process is significantly accelerated by exposure to UV light.  

Sunglasses such as Oakley and Revo block 100% of harmful UVA, UVB and UVC rays, as well as providing excellent protection for skin around the eyes which prevents premature aging and wrinkles.  

Protection from Wind, Debris and Dust 

Sunglasses act as a very effective barrier to reducing the evaporation of natural moisture protecting your eyes against wind, and generally keeping your eyes comfortable.  They’re also excellent at keeping your contact lenses from drying out, in addition to tiny, of microscopic wind-blown particles that can cause corneal abrasions.

Best to protect you from these windy inconveniences is a pair of wrap-style sunglasses that fit closely to your face.  Some brands of Oakley sunglasses have a special hydrophobic coating which repels fingerprints, oils, water, lotions and dust – fantastic for keeping your eyes safe and your vision completely clear.    

 

Reduce Headaches and Eye Strain 

Pupils control the amount of light that reaches the retina. In dim light, pupils dilate to allow in as much light as possible, and in bright light pupils constrict to prevent too much light from striking the retina.  However, in extremely bright conditions the pupil can’t constrict enough to reduce light to a comfortable level, and this is what causes us to squint. 

Constant constriction of the pupils and squinting can lead to eyestrain and headaches.  Sunglasses, then, are ideal for reducing the amount of light that reaches our eyes – in turn making our eyes more comfortable and relaxed and minimising the chance of fatigue. 

Improving Vision

To get the most out of eyes and to guarantee long term ocular health and good vision, our eyes require the right balance of light.  Too little can be just as detrimental as too much.  Excessive glare can ‘bleach’ our retinas and reduce visual acuity.  For the best optical clarity, a good pair of high definition Oakley’s will provide optical quality and comfort. 

 

Drive Safely when the Sun is Low

As I type this, mid-January, an intense mid-afternoon winter sun is blazing through the office windows. Proof, if it was ever needed, that the sun does indeed shine in winter. Even at midday, if you’re driving, this midwinter sun hovers not too far above the horizon and can shine powerfully into your eyes or make it hard to see if it’s shining at an odd angle on the windscreen.  Polarising lenses and superlative quality sunglasses will, again, make a lot more comfortable and safe. 

 

Winter Sun is a UV Risk

During the winter months the sun shines lower and more directly into your eyes, and this can often be exacerbated by an extra attack of UV by reflections from surfaces such as wet roads and snow.   It’s nice to get out in the brisk, refreshing air in January and February – particularly to clear the cobwebs of any post-Christmas malaise – but make sure you head out equipped with a proficient pair of shades to protect your sensitive orbs. 

So while the sceptics and the naysayers of such sartorially questionably accessories might still be unconvinced, you’ll be doing yourself – and more importantly, your eyes – a favour by donning a pair of decent shades to protect them from those UV winter rays.

Have you got any other good winter sunglasses tips or advice? Share in the comments.