“The snow is sparkling like a million little suns.” – Lama Willa Miller
Do you wear your sunglasses in the winter? Did you know that freshly fallen snow can actually increase your eyes’ UV light exposure close to 200%? We may not discuss or hear about sunscreen nearly as much in the winter months, especially since we wear longer layers and are less exposed. Our eyes however, are exposed every single day to ultraviolet light. This makes our sunglasses necessary year-round.
Photokeratitis or “snow blindness” is when prolonged or excess exposure to UV light causes temporary painful loss of vision. Think of it as a sunburn to the eyes. The best way to prevent this, and other long term effects of UV exposure, is to limit exposure and to wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.
So don’t pack away your sunglasses with your shorts and flip flops – Sunglasses are a year-round accessory and a year-round necessity!
For more information and more blog posts, visit us at Look & See Eyecare, and check out our Education Centre!
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