Winter Eye Care Advice... Don't Forget your Sunglasses

You read it correctly. Sunglasses aren't only an essential accessory in the sunny season. While many people are aware of the dangers the sun presents to our eyes in the summertime, how many realize that it is essential to take precautions in the wintertime as well?

In truth, those UV rays that shine down on you during the warm season are still around in the winter. And they still threaten your eyes, particularly when bounced off a bright snow. Those of you who love vacations that involve snow-based activities should be especially cautious because you'll spend a long time in the bright reflected sunlight which is potentially harmful to the eye. It's crucial to guard your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.

So what steps should you take to guard your eyes in the cold season? Eye doctors recommend using sunglasses with strong UV protection, so be sure to invest in a quality pair of sunglasses that is suitable for all year round. Select a pair that you find fitting and totally protects your eyes.

Our professionals can help you to make sure you're getting sunglasses that will suit your needs. In addition, there are a variety of options for lenses and we are here to help you choose the combination that is suitable for your lifestyle. Don't forget about your eyes on the ski slopes either. A good set of ski goggles with polycarbonate lenses can help defend your eyes from renegade branches, flying ski poles and other slope dangers.

Driving Without Your Prescription Eyeglasses Because of Glare? Consider Prescription Sunglasses

January 11, 2011 — Do you ever drive without your prescription glasses? Twenty percent of eyeglass wearers do sometimes, according to a recent survey.

For more comfort on bright days, these drivers are swapping their prescription glasses for nonprescription sunglasses. And more than 60 percent of those surveyed agreed that glare from sun and snow make it difficult to see while driving.

Still, for many it's unsafe to drive without vision correction, and prescription sunglasses could be the answer — especially polarized sunglasses. A clinical study revealed that driver reaction times improved by a third of a second for drivers wearing polarized sunglasses. If your car is going 50 mph, this lets you stop 23 feet sooner (the length of an intersection).

Lens manufacturer Essilor of America, Inc. commissioned the survey and the clinical study.