Shorter days and cooler weather can fool us into a false sense of security, especially when it comes to sun damage. Many people think they don’t need to wear sunglasses in the autumn and winter, when there are fewer sunny days and the sun feels less intense. In reality, autumn light can be much more harmful to our eyes than the summer sun.
Here are 5 reasons why you should have your sunglasses on hand and wear them all year long.
The Sun's Position
The sun is lower in the sky and closer to the horizon in the autumn, so UV rays have a much more direct path to our eyes. Even though the sun might seem less intense than it does during the summer months, there are still very high levels of UV rays and exposure. Wearing UV protective sunglasses can help reduce UV ray exposure.
Autumn’s Dangerous Sun Glare
The sun's lower angle this time of year causes a lot of glare, especially while driving. A shallow autumn sun reflects a lot more glare than the summer sun. Glare can temporarily blind you, making driving and even walking perilous.
Fortunately, there are lens alternatives available that are capable of dealing with both mid and flat light as well as glare. Our sunglass lenses are particularly popular this time of year because they are polarized to block off glare but allow enough light to see well in less sunny or gloomy settings.
Changing Temperatures
The season's cool and sometimes severe winds often cause irritating symptoms like dry, red, or watery eyes. The tear oils (meibum) in the eyes stiffen and thicken as the air gets cooler. Tears may be unable to provide adequate protection and moisture to the eye’s tear surface because thicker meibum does not spread uniformly across the surface of the eyes.
Wraparound sunglasses shield the eyes from the chilly air, reducing irritation.
Protection From the Elements
Autumn winds can transport dust, debris and pollutants that can irritate the delicate areas in and around the eyes.
The season also brings less humidity and more wind. Low humidity and strong winds can dehydrate both your eye film and skin around the delicate eye area. Wear sunglasses to protect yourself from irritants and allergens that float around in the autumn air.
UV Rays
Exposure to the sun's damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation is dangerous all year round, as it can cause sight-threatening eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration. That's why, no matter the season, you should always wear 100% UV-blocking sunglasses when you're outdoors.
Even on cloudy days, wear your sunglasses because up to 90% of UV radiation passes through clouds. Outdoor materials, such as pavement and snow, also reflect a substantial quantity of UV rays into the eyes.
In the fall and throughout the year, regardless of the season or climate, you should protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses.
Visit Giddens Optometry in Georgetown if you're looking for a new pair of high-quality sunglasses for the fall, with or without prescription lenses.
Q: Do I still need to wear sunglasses, even if the sun doesn't bother my eyes?
- A: Yes. UV rays can penetrate clouds, so even on overcast days the sun can damage your eyes.
Q: Do children need sunglasses?
- A: Sunglasses for kids, including bables, are a must. Children are at greater risk of sun exposure than adults because they spend more time in the sun and their eyes are clear, allowing more UV rays to reach the retina. Since UV damage builds up over a person's lifetime, start protecting your child's eyes as soon as possible.
Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Giddens Optometry for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.