VISIQUE KAPITI EYECARE

Sun protection in winter.

We have had some lovely "spring" weather this winter, and some southerly storms, and when it's bright, it's bright! I don't ski, but I know that UV and white light both reflect well from snow, so skiers know that they need to protect their eyes for comfort and to prevent snow-blindness...but what about the rest of us?

With low sun-angles in winter, glare is often more of a pest than in a bright summer's day. If you are driving into the sun. you can "white out" from any dirt on your windscreen and not see even a large van in front of you. It's really important to keep your windscreen (and your glasses!) clean - this matters even more if you have a minor cataract as the effect is magnified.

UV reflects from the snow, concrete and water. Similar to sunburn, you can burn the front of your cornea - this occurs (like sunburn) several hours after you come inside - snow-blindness from skiing (extra UV at high altitudes) can be painful enough to wake a person at 2am. Having well-fitting ski goggles that have an appropriate UV filter is as important as good skis and bindings. Winnie, our dispensing optician, can offer advice here - and we can put your prescription into goggles or use special snow-lenses if you would prefer.

Anyone lucky enough to head north for the winter, remember to pack your sunglasses. Some older Transitions lenses (and their clones) do not darken as well in the warm as they do in the cold, so having a prescription pair of sunglasses can be really useful in the tropics. And with an added UV filter, you will protect your eyes as you see the sights.

I know that some people think that prescription sunwear is a luxury, but when you think that your eyes are protected properly from glare and UV light, as well as giving you the ability to see clearly, I think that it is really valuing your eyes. And if you remember to use your sun protection in the winter as well as in summer, the "cost per wear" is really reduced.