Protect Your Eyes: Effects of Winter Sunshine Explained
Ultraviolet radiation is a year-round threat, and it's getting even more problematic in recent years. 2023 and 2024 index reports show a high risk of harm from UV exposure even in November and December.
This is scary and new, but luckily there are simple and effective ways to protect your eye health in winter. Here, we'll discuss:
- Winter sunshine risks
- Possible outcomes of prolonged UV exposure
- Proactive measures to prevent eye damage
Read on to learn the ins and outs of winter sun care!
Sunlight and Eye Damage in Summer vs Winter
Though sunburn is more common in the summertime, UV rays can have just as detrimental an effect on your eyes in the colder months.
UV rays:
- Exist at consistent levels throughout the year regardless of where the sun is strongest
- Can penetrate fog and winter clouds
- Reflect off snow and ice to bounce into people's eyes
This is especially true when there's a lot of snow or ice outside. Snow:
- Reflects up to 80% of all UV radiation (according to the NSIDC)
- Doubles people's eye exposure to UV rays
- Makes UV exposure levels go up 5% for every 1000 feet of elevation gain
Regardless of the weather, it's important that everyone takes simple precautions to protect their eyesight from the impact of UV rays! Even just one pair of high-quality sunglasses can decrease eye strain and signs of visible aging.
Potential Impacts of Overexposure to Winter Sunshine
There are several issues that people might need to contend with when they get too muchwinter sunshine in their eyes. Common year-round problems include:
- Vision loss
- Cataracts
- Retina damage
- Macular degeneration
- Possible skin cancer near the eyelids
Photokeratitis is a major issue in the winter as well.It's also called "snow blindness." This sunburn-adjacent condition on the eye surface is temporary but painful.
Eye Protection Tips for UV Rays in Winter
Protecting your eyes during the winter means:
- Wearing sunglasses every day, including on cloudy days
- Using wide-brimmed hats on days you'll spend a lot of time outside
- Using moisturizing eye drops to combat the dry winter air
These simple preventative measures can save you a lot of pain and avoid high medical bill costs.
You also should get a quality pair of sunglasses to stop your eyes from getting too much UV exposure when you enjoy the outdoors this winter.
Make sure to look for sunglasses that:
- Block both UV rays and blue light
- Feature wraparound styles that block side glare
- Reduce glare with polarized features
- Comfortably cover all areas of the eye with ample shading
Choose a color and style that you're excited to wear. This will help you keep your eyes shaded while boosting your confidence and self-expression!
Keep Your Eyes Safe With UV-Protective Shades
Now that you know some reasons why you need quality UV-resistant sunglasses this winter, it's time to start browsing.
CHEEKS is a women-owned company that believes that investing in feminist projects makes communities safer, stronger, and more just, so shop our shades ASAP. You'll protect your eyes against the winter sunshine while helping these good causes!
