Everyone is at risk of UV damage to their eyes, even children. Many people think about wearing sunglasses in the summer because they are aware of the UV exposure or because they are actively trying to shield their eyes from the sun but UV rays are still present, and sometimes even intensified, in winter. To avoid this, wear UV protection sunglasses year round. The UV coating on sunglasses functions like sunscreen does for your skin by filtering out the UV rays to reduce damage to your eyes and the sensitive skin around them. Your eye doctors want you to know that just because it’s not warm out in the winter doesn’t mean it’s not sunny so put your stylish sunglasses on and protect your precious eyesight.
Protect Your Eyes From UV Rays This Winter
What Are UV Rays?
Ultra Violet (UV) Radiation can be classified into ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). Most of the UV rays we receive are UVA rays, as the other two types are largely absorbed into the ozone layer. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays and it’s the penetrative UV rays largely responsible for sunburns, eye complications, and skin cancer. UV rays are responsible for eye diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration, pinguecula and pterygium. Because UV rays can be harmful to our skin and eyes, optometrists recommend wearing sunglasses and sunscreen whenever outside.
When And Where To Protect Your Eyes From UV Rays
UV rays can be intensified when they are reflected. This reflection happens naturally frequently, as UV rays reflect off of water. While you might automatically think of a glistening lake in summer, here in Calgary in winter we have water covering the ground all season in the form of snow and ice. The reflection off of these forms of water increase the amount of UV you’re exposed to. If you’re someone who likes to take advantage of the beautiful mountains in Calgary’s backyard, you’re exposed to even stronger UV rays due to the high altitude. If you’ve ever experienced snow blindness, your eye doctor would confirm that you have sunburned your eyes and you need to wear sunglasses or goggles with UV protection. Sunglasses aren’t just good to wear while walking in the snow or while hitting the slopes, they should also be worn in the vehicle. Car windshields don’t offer much protection from UV rays and glare, and you’re often exposed to a lot of sun while in your vehicle.
Make Sure You’re Actually Protecting Your Eyes
Don’t just wear sunglasses, wear the right sunglasses. If you want to protect your eyes from the damaging effects of UV rays, your sunglasses need to specify that they are UV blocking. When you go to purchase sunglasses, there should be a small logo that says UV blocking, otherwise they are not.
Protect Your Eyes In Style With Sunglasses From Blink Eyewear In Calgary
The best way to get sunglasses that are UV blocking and stylish is to go to your local Calgary Blink Eyewear. With two locations in NW Calgary (Crowfoot and Creekside) and one in SW Calgary (West Springs), you can try on different pairs to find the one that perfectly frames your face and accents your style. Don’t compromise on the fashion and quality of your outdoors optic wear; when you get sunglasses from Blink Optometry, you know you’ll be getting 100% UV protection with or without prescription. If you have any questions about our selection of stylish, quality eye care, call our team of eye doctors at 1-403-516-2292 or fill out the contact form.
FAQ
Q: Does Blink Eyewear sell prescription sunglasses?
A: Yes we do! We sell a range of prescription and non-prescription sunglasses, as well as children’s sunglasses, sport and performance sunglasses, and prescription eyeglass treatments. Blink Eyewear is your one stop shop for all your eyewear and sunglasses needs.
Q: Does Blink Eyewear offer eye exams?
A: Yes we do! Blink Eyewear has more than just the highest fashion frames, Our optometrists also offer comprehensive eye exams and treatment, specialty eyewear, and more. If you have eye health concerns, you can schedule an appointment with one of our optometrists.
Q: At what age should children start to wear sunglasses?
A: It is recommended that your child starts wearing sunglasses when they are two to three years old because when they are any younger than that, it can be physically difficult to do. When your child does start wearing sunglasses, they should have 99-100% UVA and UVB protection.