FISHKILL – NY
When most think of sunglasses, the first images that come to our minds is sunny, sandy beaches, but did you know that in winter a coating of snow reflects nearly 80% of the sun’s rays, and that means more damaging ultraviolet rays affecting your eyes. Spending a day in the snow can be harder on your eyes than a day at the beach.
Long term unprotected over-exposure has severe effects: increased risk of cataracts, and macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people over 65.
Dr. Brocks of Hudson Valley Eye Surgeons says, “UV protective sunglasses are a year round necessity to preserve your vision. If you are skiing, driving or spending prolonged time in the snow, there are a variety of tinted lenses that are often the most effective way to protect the retina and prevent snow blindness.”
Snow glare makes it difficult for the eye to perceive objects, because the snow reflects more light than the objects such as trees, oncoming cars, or other people in the snow. Filtering out the majority of the light that is not blue or yellow makes it much easier to see objects so you can avoid them.