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Buying Sunglasses for Winter and Skiing
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We wear sunglasses for many reasons including fashion, sun protection, and to help us perform better at sports. Although the winter isn't always the first season you might think about when choosing a pair of sunglasses, the right shades are essential if you're headed out for some time on the mountain.
Whether you're tackling the black diamond slopes or are taking to the powder for the first time, the right pair of sports sunglasses will help tremendously in protecting your eyes from the double-whammy of sunshine + snow. Veteran skiers know that a good pair of sunglasses is just as important as a pair of ski boots and clothing that will beat the cold winter temperatures.
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Avoid Injuries and Eye Damage with Snow Sunglasses
Taking a tumble down the mountain is always a risk with activities like skiing and snowboarding, and a pair of sunglasses will help you avoid eye injuries from a serious fall. Even if you feel like the sun isn't too bright, and you can see just fine, sunglasses can help protect your eyes against random debris, branches, and flying ski equipment if you fall.
In addition, if you're up on a mountain somewhere at a high elevation, your eyes are going to get a serious dose of UV radiation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), you'll increase your exposure to UV light by around 3% each 300 meters (about 1,000 feet) that you increase your elevation.
It's also essential to remember that a cloudy day won't take away the intensity of the sun's rays. In fact, the WHO also reveals that more than 90% of UV light can pass right through light clouds. Additionally, snow reflects and intensifies the UV rays that cause sunburns, so a bottle of sunscreen may be just as important as some protective eye gear.
Essential Characteristics for Winter Sunglasses
Your skiing sunglasses can double as sunglasses worn for athletic activities in any season, so choosing a pair of designer sports sunglasses for winter usually means you've also got a terrific pair of sunglasses for heading out onto the lake in the summer or visiting the beach on vacation.
Some of the features you'll want to consider for your winter sunglasses include:
- UV protection (reduces risk of eye damage and disease)
- Polycarbonate lenses (resist shattering on impact)
- Plastic frames (best for cold conditions)
- Polarized lenses (prevents glare from snow)
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Also, you may find that special lenses with certain coatings, anti-fog features, or lens colors will suit your activities best. For example, gray lenses are great for use in all seasons, and they help block glare in a variety of bright conditions.
Alternatively, amber-colored lenses may be something you want to consider if your plans include a few trips to the ski slopes this season. Amber lenses, as well as rose lenses, help you see the details of a slope better so that you can avoid hazards that could cause a tumble.
A third color of lenses often seen in the winter is yellow, and a yellow tint is also a good color for increasing the contrast of an otherwise white ski slope. If you plan to wear your sunglasses all year, you might want to buy sunglasses with all-purpose gray lenses. If you're aiming for some serious time on the mountain, you may want to consider amber or yellow lenses.
Keep Eyes Safe All Year
A pair of sunglasses that protects your eyes from the intensity of the sun's rays is important whether you choose to purchase specialty sunglasses meant for skiing or whether you're interested in some discount sunglassesyou can wear in any season.
Unless you're living in the Land of the Midnight sun and you get a serious break from daylight for half the year, remember to always protect your eyes when heading out with your skis, snowboard, or snowshoes.
By : Upneet Kaur
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