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printThe Vision Council > Consumers > Eyewear Options > Sunglasses > Sports > Snow Sports
Sunglasses for Snow Sports
 by Safilo.JPG "Juicy Couture (Black Diamond Goggle) by Safilo")
Lightness, security and comfort are essential in protective eyewear. The best sunglasses and goggles for downhill skiing and snowboarding offer all three.
Sunglasses should provide maximum protection against UV rays, a danger on the slopes where light is magnified and reflected by snow. Look for polarized or mirror coatings and amber tints, which are easy on eyes, enhance contrast and minimize glare.
Some goggles can be customized with your prescription, eliminating the need to wear glasses underneath. For long-lasting comfort and reduced eye strain, choose pairs with a wide peripheral view and snug shape. Water-resistant padding will wick away moisture and prevent straps from irritating the scalp, while side vents keep lenses fog free. Frames with removable foam and temples offer the best of both worlds-the superior protection of goggles and unbeatable lightness of sunglasses.
Winter Sports and UV Exposure - Myths vs. Facts
Myth
Because the sun is weaker in the winter, my eyes are safe from overexposure to UV rays.
Fact
Every day - whether it is sunny or cloudy, and despite the season - we are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. UV radiation can't be seen or felt, and over time, it has a damaging effect on eyes.
Unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB radiation can lead to serious health issues including damage to eyes and skin cancers. Even during the winter it is important to always protect your eyes by wearing sunwear that provides UVA/UVB protection.
Myth
I don't need to protect my skin or eyes from the effects of UV rays when participating in outdoor winter sports activities.
Fact
With the sun's force reduced in the winter, people tend to forget about the dangers of UV exposure. Protecting your eyes with appropriate sunwear/sports protective eyewear is essential to safely enjoying winter sports and outdoor activities and can also help you perform your best. Polycarbonate sports eyewear is specifically designed to protect and enhance the performance of the athlete, and polycarbonate sunwear will protect the eyes from harmful UV rays.
Winter sports in which there is an increased danger for UV exposure and risk to the eyes include: Skiing, sledding, outdoor ice hockey and figure skating, snowboarding and snowmobiling. Participants in these sports should wear wraparound sunglasses or goggles with polycarbonate lenses.
Myth
The best way to protect my eyes is to avoid outdoor winter sports activity altogether.
Fact
There is no need to give up the winter activities you enjoy. Wearing appropriate sports protective eyewear with polycarbonate lenses will protect your eyes, and you can limit winter UV exposure even more with wraparound sunglasses or goggles that block UV rays.
Myth
If it's cold enough for snow and ice, the sun's UV rays aren't strong enough to damage my eyes.
Fact
Fresh snow reflects nearly 80 percent of UV radiation, and UV rays can bounce back off of frozen water, hitting the skin twice. And even when it's overcast the amount of reflected light can be magnified so that your eyes are at risk.
Skiers, snowboarders, ice skaters and others engaged in snow or ice sports should take special care. Wear sunglasses or goggles, and apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Remember to protect areas that could be exposed to UV rays by the sun's reflection, including under the chin and nose.
Myth
In the mountains, I should be more concerned with wearing the proper clothing to stay warm than with protecting my vision.
Fact
At high altitudes, thinner air allows for the passage of even more light. UV radiation goes up 3% for every 400 meters (about 1,312 feet) of altitude. Plus, about 80% of UV light is reflected by snow and from clouds on overcast days. This could mean a double dose of exposure, so it is important to always protect your eyes by wearing wraparound sunglasses or goggles.
