The sun is shining above your head, literally every day of your life. It can be behind the clouds, but it is still there. Many people are under the impression that sun rays affect them only during the summer. The truth is that this idea is a misconception because the damaging UV rays are present throughout the year.
You may see many people ignore the protective gear around their eyes when they go for skiing assuming that the clouds have blocked the UV rays from the sun. The truth is that eighty percent of the UV rays can pass through the clouds and do plenty of damage to your eyes and your sensitive skin. So, if you are on a ski vacation, you are at a higher risk as the higher altitude leads to more exposure and higher damages.
How UV Rays Damage Your Eyes in the Winter
There are two types of ultraviolet rays. If you are indoors and behind a glass screen, the glass will only block UVA rays, but you can still sustain damage from UVB rays. UVB rays are stronger and penetrate deeper. If your eyes absorb too much of these UV rays, the sustained damages can cause cataracts and even cancer. The damage done by the sun to our eyes is permanent, which is why you need to protect them year-round.
How Can You Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays during the Cold Weather?
Being exposed to a lot of UV rays can even lead to Macular Degeneration, which is an age-related disease that may take away your sight forever. To protect your eyes, you need to wear sunglasses that will defend you against UVA and UVB rays. You may dislike ruining your hairstyle with a hat, but you will love the protection it gives to your hair, skin, and eyes.
Find a good sunscreen that suits your skin type and keep putting it on your face and neck as you leave your house. As mentioned before the area around your eyes is also very sensitive and can retain a lot of damage from the sun.
You may also want to keep your eye drops nearby as the eyes can easily get dried during the winters. Your eyes can also get damaged by debris flying around while you shovel snow or decorate your yard during the holidays. Remember to wear protective eye gear when you are hard at work preparing for your guests to arrive.
Conclusion
The overcast skies and the cold weather can trick you into believing that you are safe from the damage caused by sunlight. You may not be feeling the warmth, but the sun and its UV rays are still out there, and you need to protect yourself from them. Take care of your skin and eyes in the same way that you do in the summers to feel safe.
