Frosty mornings are now upon us, and we’re thinking of eggnog and Christmas carols – but did you know that you’re at as much danger from UV at this time of year as any other? Low winter sun might not be as warm, but the glare is just as dangerous, as is the hidden hazard of UV.
UV is a potential trigger to cataract formation and macular degeneration, especially if your eyes are a light colour. Pale blue grey or green eyes have less melanin, the natural pigment, and this means that UV rays can more easily penetrate the eye and cause damage to the crystalline lens within your eye and the retina.
During the autumn and winter, UV is most hazardous during the early morning and late afternoon. This is when the sun is low and glare is brightest. Continue to wear your prescription sunglasses or photochromics, both will protect your eyes as long as they incorporate a full UV barrier. Glare is obviously also a hazard when driving, so make sure your glasses have an anti-reflection coating too.
Those most at risk are people who work outdoors, winter sport enthusiasts, and children. Winter sports create a risk as the snow and ice increases glare. Outdoor workers are obviously exposed to sun for greater amounts of time, and children are less likely to wear good quality sunglasses. Always check that the lenses conform to EU safety standards and give 100% protection against all wavelengths of UV.
If skiing, be doubly sure of the UV coating and the safety aspect of the frame – this is an area where any economy is a false one. A fall on a frame that may damage the delicate eye area could be catastrophic to the wearer. Look for goggles with an elasticated headband, foam padding around the rims, and a large enough lens area. This needs to completely clear the eye orbit itself and rest on the forehead and cheekbones.
Tags: cataract formation, danger from UV, macular degeneration, melanin