During the winter, it is colder outside and many people tend to assume that their eyes don't need as much protection from the sun, but this is a false assumption. Your eyes are just as vulnerable to the UV rays from the sun in the winter as they are during the summer.

Snow Blindness: A Winter Sunburn

Did you know that when too much sun enters into the eye it can actually cause a sunburn, resulting in temporary blindness? And this is a condition that is far more common during the wintertime due to the sunlight that reflects off of the bright white snow. This is called snow blindness.

Unfortunately, it can take several hours before you experience any symptoms of snow blindness, so you don't even realize something is wrong until it is too late—and you have exposed your eyes to the sunlight for that much longer.

So, here is what you need to know about protecting your eyes during the winter.

Wear Your Sunglasses—That's Right; They Are for Winter, Too

Sunglasses are a common accessory during the summertime, but you shouldn't put them up when colder temperatures arrive. In fact, you should have a pair at your side to protect your eyes against harmful UV rays, especially if you plan on heading outside when it is snowy. Opt for a pair of polarized, 100 percent UV-blocking (both UVA and UVB) sunglasses.

Don't Forget Your Goggles When Hitting the Slopes

If you enjoy snowboarding, skiing, or any other ski-related activity, then your eyes will be exposed to more UV rays than anyone else—even those who enjoy outside activities during the summer—due to the fact that the atmosphere is thinner at these higher altitudes, which makes the sunlight much harsher. For this reason, it is crucial that you wear ski goggles when participating in winter-related activities.

When you are choosing a pair of ski goggles, make sure that they offer 100 percent UV protection. Opt for a pair with anti-fog coating and/or vents so that they don't fog up as you are moving. Consider polarized lenses to eliminate the glare from the snow so you can see where you are going on the slopes. If you are wear prescription eyeglasses, make sure that you select a pair of ski goggles that can fit comfortably over your eyeglasses.

Dealing with Dry Eye

During the winter, the air is a lot drier than any other time of the year, and the air tends to dry out even more due to indoor heating. This often leaves your eyes irritated and dry. To help combat dry eye, remain hydrated, opt for your seat warmers in the vehicle over the actual heater, and use a humidifier in the home.

For more information, reach out to an eye clinic, like Leader Heights Eye Center, and make sure that you get your annual routine eye exam. A routine eye exam will be able to catch problems early on, including the long-term effects of snow blindness, sun damage, dry eye, etc. 

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