Sunglasses in the Snow? Prepare Your Eyes for Winter

As the weather turns chilly, riding boots, pea coats, and scarves become a daily wardrobe staple. It's at this point that most people retire their sunglasses away until sunny summer returns, thinking the need for shades has passed. However, many would be surprised to discover that the risk of harmful ultraviolet rays can be more present in the winter than during even the brightest summer day.

Did you know that snow reflects up to 80 percent of rays beamed down by the sun? This means that snow bunnies would be wise to shade their eyes when enjoying the winter wonderland that New York City becomes in the frostier months of the year. And why not, when sunglasses are such an enjoyable and expressive fashion accessory?

These ultraviolet rays can do damage in a number of different ways to those who are not protected by sunglasses with a generous UV coating. A temporary condition, photokeratitis, can occur when the sun’s rays burn the sensitive surface of the eye. And although UV exposure is a risk for New Yorkers of all ages, people over the age of 65 can be at risk for macular degeneration, one of the top causes of blindness. In addition to these serious risks over time, exposed skin around the eyes can become wrinkled, leading to pesky crow’s feet and furrows.

Even if you don your favorite shades in the summer, you are still leaving your eyes and face exposed for the other half of the year, which can result in ocular and skin damage. So what can be done to prepare your eyes for winter? Keep wearing your favorite shades from summer, or if your sunglasses aren’t up to par with your winter wardrobe, visit an eyewear store such as Cohen’s Fashion Optical of Harlem to pick out a pair of sunglasses.

Cohen’s Fashion Optical of Harlem has a wide selection of the hottest eyeglasses, sunglasses and contacts, from designers such as Prada, Ralph Lauren, Dior and Ray-Ban. Fashion and protection are not mutually exclusive. Cohen’s top designer sunglasses are created with ample UV coating and protection, ensuring that each customer leaves the store with their eyes protected for the winter in complete and utter style.