Winter Eye Care

A Timely Reminder

Anyone who’s spent time on a crisp winter day in Ireland knows that even in the depths of the season, sunglasses are a must-have accessory. The snow and frost can be blindingly reflective, sometimes to a dangerous degree. While the cold might take the edge off the sun’s warmth, it does nothing to reduce the sun’s glare or the potential harm it can do to your eyes. Even when the sky seems overcast, it’s important to remember that cloud cover during winter offers little protection from UV rays—up to 80% of them can still penetrate through the clouds.

Sunglasses aren’t just for Summer

Don’t be fooled by the chill in the air or the short days. The sun remains as potent as ever, and during winter, it’s joined by harsh, drying winds that can make your eyes particularly vulnerable. Without proper eye protection, you could be at risk for a number of winter-related eye conditions.

Snow Blindness

This condition is a stark reminder that you can still get sunburned in the middle of winter. Known medically as photokeratitis, snow blindness is essentially a sunburned cornea, caused by exposure to sunlight reflecting off snow, ice, or water. This is especially common at higher altitudes where the air is thinner. Additionally, snow blindness can refer to the freezing of the corneal surface. To protect yourself, always wear appropriate eye protection when skiing or spending extended periods outdoors in the snow.

Snow Glare

Polarised lenses are your best bet for reducing glare from snow, but make sure they also offer 100 percent UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays.

Dry Eyes

If the sun is stubborn, then the wind is its unruly companion, especially when it comes to drying out your eyes. Cold winds and the dry indoor heat can cause the moisture in your eyes to evaporate quickly. Use eye drops to alleviate discomfort and wear wraparound sunglasses, even on cloudy days. These will help block the wind and prevent the reflex tears that can leave your eyes feeling even drier.

As you layer up with extra fleeces, scarves, and gloves to brace the winter chill, don’t forget to protect your eyes as well. Make sure your winter eyewear includes sunglasses with 100% UV protection, polarisation, and durable polycarbonate lenses. Keep your eyes safe, so you can fully enjoy all that the Irish winter has to offer.