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Many people leave their sunglasses securely in their cases until summer arrives. However, eye doctors suggest you wear sunglasses outdoors all year long — even amid the ice, cold, and gray of winter. Especially in a snowy climate like Alaska’s, the sun’s rays may be even more damaging during the winter months. When reflected on a fresh coat of snow, the sun delivers twice the amount of UV rays into the eyes. To protect your eye health, learn about a few key reasons why you should keep your sunglasses on this season.

3 Eye Doctor-Approved Reasons You Should Keep Your Sunglasses During Winter

1. Reduce Glare 

In Alaska, winter means icy roads and thick blankets of snow. Even when the sun is obscured by clouds, it can cause a reflective glare on these surfaces, which can seriously harm one’s vision. Glare issues can be particularly dangerous when driving, skiing, or snowmobiling.  The best protection from glare are polarized sun lenses.

2. Block UV Rays

eye-doctorUV radiation exposure can cause ocular health problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. Over time, UV rays may expose the retina to irreparable damage. To protect your eyes, it’s important to find sunglasses that block 100% of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. These sunglasses can also help shield against wrinkles.

3. Combat Headaches

Even on a gray winter day, a coat of snow outside makes for a very bright outdoor environment. In such lighting, the pupils may not be able to constrict enough to minimize exposure, which leads to squinting and sometimes headaches, migraines, or eyestrain. Fortunately, wearing sunglasses in a darker color will help prevent tired eyes and an aching head.

 

Daylight may not last long during wintertime in Fairbanks, AK, but these limited hours of sunshine can quickly add up and take a toll on your eyes. At West Valley Vision Center, the team of eyecare professionals strive to provide the in-depth care and advice the community needs to maintain a lifetime of healthy vision. To learn more about the West Valley Vision Center, visit their website. You may also call a helpful professional at (907) 479-4700.

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