Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean that the sun isn’t still shining! It might not be as noticeable as it is in the summertime, but even on dark, gloomy, winter days, harmful ultraviolet rays are still out there! In fact, optical protection during the winter months are just as – if not more important than during the heat of summer. While it may be hard to notice the sun’s rays during the winter because the sun simply isn’t shining as bright, but just because you don’t feel the sun’s heat doesn’t mean that the dangerous rays are gone as well. Furthermore, winter brings a lot of wind. As you likely know because of the texture of your skin, this cold weather and wind can dry out your eyes, just like your hands and face! Any additional protection is really imperative to keep your eyes at maximum health standards, so that they stay healthier, longer!
There are some important things to note when determining the right sunglasses for your needs. In regards to size and shape, sunglasses are much like prescription eyeglasses. However, if you don’t currently need or wear prescription glasses, just remember these main rules… Your glasses frames should sit comfortably on your face without touching your eyes. You want to ensure that the width of the frames is wide enough to cover all angles of your eyes without allowing the lenses to manipulate your eyelashes. It’s not uncommon to see very small sunglasses, but it’s important to note that they aren’t maximizing the protection needed.
Experts say that protective sunglasses should actually filter out nearly all – if not all UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses such as these will typically either filter or reflect ninety-nine to one hundred percent of these rays, with wavelengths up to four hundred nanometers. Therefore, you should only look for sunglasses that specifically say “UV400”. You may come across some sunglasses that look like they’d do a perfect job of blocking out the sun – particularly in terms of size, shape, and the darkness of the tint. However, just because they might look like they’ll cover your eyes, or provide even better protection due to how dark the lenses are, the actually harmful rays can possibly still penetrate the lens. Darker lenses don’t necessarily mean better protection from the sun!
If you can’t seem to dig up your summertime sunnies this winter, you might just need to invest in another pair. As listed above, make sure that you find lenses that will sufficiently protect your eyes from the sun. So, when looking for your new sunglasses, keep in mind that darker, doesn’t automatically mean better. Likewise, high prices don’t necessarily determine higher quality; you can easily get some great, discounted eyeglasses and sunglasses for a fraction of the cost! Due to the low overhead, buying glasses online can actually cut your costs in half, without skimping on the quality. Happy Winter; now go protect those eyes!
Elea Kalin is a fashion stylist – turned optical specialist. Her focus is on accessories and statement pieces – like prescription eyeglasses. She is currently working for eyeglassespro.com – the easiest way to buy glasses online, which now offers free shipping all over the US, with the code FreeShip10.