Winter Eyewear

It's hard to really enjoy the winter wonderland if you can't see it properly, and yet more often than not, sunglasses and goggles are but an afterthought purchase. The excuses offered are as numerous and varied as the snowflakes swirling through the cabin eves:
"I'll just get a pair at the resort,"
"Too expensive,"
"I'll just lose them,"
"They make me look like Darth Vader!,"
"They always fog,"
"I break every pair so just give me something cheap..."

Proper eye protection is more important, if not more than the ski package, ski racks, fashion clothing and other accessories most people eagerly plunk down the green for.

The higher you get above sea-level the more UV radiation gets through. Due to the reflective nature of snow, up to 85-percent of the UV radiation may be reflected upward, emphasizing even more reason for the use of goggles or sunglasses in sunny and slightly overcast conditions.

It is important to understand the basics; UV radiation has been linked over long-term exposure to serious eye disease such as cataracts and in the short term to temporary afflictions such as snow blindness. At the very least, the goggle or sunglasses you buy should remove 100% of the UV radiation.

The wrap-around style of goggles serves to protect from both direct and indirect radiation and helps to deflect snow, debris and wind away from the eyes. But, just because you own a goggle, doesn't necessarily mean you are getting the protection you really need.

If you wear glasses, always make sure that you are purchasing goggles designed to fit over glasses. Most manufacturers have special models for this purpose. Sure, you'll look like a giant bug, but if you can see, who cares? It's performance that matters and that translates into protection from the sun, protection from the snow, wind deflection and minimal fogging. After all, you want to be able to see all the fun you're going to be having, don't you?