Why You Should Wear Sunglasses in the Winter

Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in General Eye Health on December 23, 2013

Most of us associate sunglasses with warm weather, hanging out at the beach, and other fun summertime activities, and while sunglasses are important for preventing UV damage to our eyes, most of us make the mistake of forgetting to wear our favorite shades during the cold, and sometimes snowy, winter months. Here are some important reasons why it is important to always remember to wear your sunglasses – any time of the year. 

Sunglasses aren’t just fashionable. Sunglasses have been a fashion staple since the 1930s, and of course the right pair of shades can add a certain amount of “cool” to any outfit, but a quality pair of sunglasses are also important to your visual health as they help to block harmful UV rays from reaching your eyes.

Sunglasses can help prevent the symptoms associated with dry eyes during winter weather. If you’ve ever experienced dry eye syndrome, you know how uncomfortable constantly dry eyes can be. While some people suffer from chronic dry eye, others associate it with seasonality, and winter is typically the worst time of the year for red, irritated and dry eyes. Wearing sunglasses is an especially good move for anyone who spends a considerable amount of time outside during the winter months. Wearing sunglasses will not only help to prevent the symptoms of dry eye, but also help prevent damaging UV light from entering the eyes. If you experience chronic dry eye you might want to consider purchasing wrap-around style sunglasses to block wind and dust from reaching the eyes as well.

UV rays are just as harmful during the winter as they are during the summer. Damage from the sun can occur just as easily in the winter as it can during the summer months. Many snowboarders and skiers experience “goggle tan” that comes from UV light giving them a tan, or possibly even a sunburn, on the exposed area of skin surrounding their ski goggles. That same light can cause damage to the eyes, which can also lead to macular degeneration and the progression of age related eye disease. Yet another reason why wearing your sunglasses during the winter months is important.

Sunlight reflected off snow can actually cause greater glare than any light during the summer months. While summer sun light is a little brighter than the winter sun on a clear day, light reflecting off snow can make glare levels extremely high and hazardous, especially when operating a motor vehicle. It’s important to remember your sunglasses during the cold, winter months to help alleviate the increased level of glare.

In short, sunglasses are practical any time of the year. When purchasing new shades, make sure to look for polarized lenses as this will guarantee full protection from damaging UV light.


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Portland, OR 97225
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Portland, OR 97213
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Portland, OR 97225
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Happy Valley, OR 97086
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Tigard OR 97224
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29250 SW Town Center Loop W
Wilsonville, OR 97070
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13240 SW Pacific Hwy
Portland, OR 97223
(503) 639-6571 see more
EyeHealth Eastside Surgery and Laser Center
12050 SE Stevens Rd.
Happy Valley, OR 97086
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Our Locations

Aloha
18345 SW Alexander St,
Suite A
Aloha, OR 97003
(503) 642-2505 see more
Glisan
6701 NE Glisan Street
Portland, OR 97213
(503) 255-2291 see more
Gresham
24601 SE Stark St.
Suite 245
Troutdale, OR 97060
(503) 255-2291 see more
Hillsboro
6111 NE Cornell Rd
Hillsboro, OR 97124
(503) 846-9400 see more
Lake Oswego
9 Monroe Parkway, Suite 160
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
(503) 636-2551 see more
Milwaukie
11086 SE Oak St
Milwaukie, OR 97222
(503) 656-4221 see more
Mt. Tabor
5935 SE Division St.
Portland, OR 97206
503 777-5546 see more
Newberg
2318 Portland Rd, Suite 300
Newberg, OR 97132
(503) 538-1341 see more
North Portland
3246 N. Lombard St.
Portland, OR 97217
(503) 285-1671 see more
Northwest Portland
1955 NW Northrup St
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 227-2020 see more
Oregon City
1306 Division St
Oregon City, OR 97045
(503) 656-4221 see more
Peterkort
9555 SW Barnes Rd.
#100 (1rst floor)
Portland, OR 97225
(503) 227-2020 see more
Providence Portland
5050 NE Hoyt St., Suite 445
Portland, OR 97213
(503) 231-0166 see more
Providence St. Vincent
9135 SW Barnes Rd., Suite 961
Portland, OR 97225
(503) 292-0848 see more
Southeast Portland
10819 SE Stark St,
Portland, OR 97216
(503) 255-2291 see more
Sunnyside
12050 SE Stevens Rd, Suite 100
Happy Valley, OR 97086
(503) 783-3300 see more
Tigard
15298 SW Royalty Parkway
Tigard OR 97224
(503) 227-2020 see more
Wilsonville
29250 SW Town Center Loop W
Wilsonville, OR 97070
(503) 582-0000 see more
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Westside Surgery Center

13240 SW Pacific Hwy
Portland, OR 97223
(503) 639-6571 see more

EyeHealth Eastside Surgery and Laser Center

12050 SE Stevens Rd.
Happy Valley, OR 97086
(971) 206-6100 see more