Why Is It Important to Wear Sunglasses in Autumn-Winter?

Sunglasses and summer have always been considered a classic combination. For a long time, people believed that sunglasses were a summertime essential, and the cloudy and misty days of autumn did not require any eye protection from the sun. But, with advancements in medical science and optometry, we now know that sunnies are a year-round requirement. Whether it is spring, autumn, or winter, keeping your eyes protected against the sun’s harmful rays is essential. In this blog, we will check out the significance of autumn sunglasses, and it is never too late to invest in a pair.

Importance of Wearing Sunglasses in Autumn and Winter

The autumnal sun is firmly set in the United Kingdom, with the temperatures dropping low and the weather getting misty. But, the shorter days and cooler weather can fool us into a false sense of security from sun damage. Of course, cloudy days and less intense sun rays can make anyone think that they are safe from the detriments of UVA and UVB rays. However, this is far from the reality. In fact, in autumn and winter, light can be more damaging to your eyes than the summer sun. How? Let us find out!

1.The Sun Is In Your Line of Sight During Autumn and Winter

During autumn, the sun sits lower in the sky and closer to the horizon because of the earth’s tilted axis. Thus, the increased angle results in the sun shining directly on your face. People who live closer to the equator, such as in countries like Singapore, Nairobi, Kenya, etc., would notice minor differences as the sun appears to stay higher in the sky. However, for individuals experiencing seasonal changes from autumn to winter days, like in the United Kingdom, the sun is not as high in the sky as it is in summer.

Thus, the result is that the sun is closer to your line of sight all day during autumn and winter months. These direct and harsher visual conditions can result in eye fatigue from having to squint in the blinding light, resulting in headaches, eye strain, and more. Hence, keeping your eyes protected against the sun by wearing autumn sunglasses becomes crucial.

2.UVA and UVB Rays Remain the Same Throughout the Year

Although it might seem that the intensity of the sun’s rays decreases during autumn, and so the effect of its detrimental UV rays is also reduced. However, this is far from the truth. The harmful UVA and UVB beams remain constant throughout the year, despite the potency of the sun’s intensity.

It is noteworthy to mention that 90 percent of UVA and UVB rays penetrate through the clouds. And, pavement, snow, water, and even tall buildings reflect a significant amount of UV light. Thus, without proper protection, these rays may affect your eyes and the skin around the face. Overexposure to the sun’s UV rays can lead to worrisome problems like cataracts, macular degeneration, and more. Therefore, the easiest solution is to wear sunglasses all throughout the year, including autumn, whenever you are out!

3.Speedy Winds and Cooler Temperatures Can Cause Dry Eyes and Irritation

Autumn winds in the United Kingdom can be quite jarring and chilly. They are fast and powerful enough to lift dust, debris and pollutants into the air. These irritants can damage your sensitive eyes and cause dry eye syndrome. Besides, the debris can also poke your eyes, and cause itching and redness.

Likewise, the drop in temperature may cause the oil in your tear film to thicken, thereby affecting the balance of tears and their capacity to nourish and protect your precious eyes. Thus, the culmination is red, dry and watery eyes - symptoms of dry eyes. All such nuisance vanishes into thin air when you have a pair of high-quality sunglasses.

4.Sunglasses Can Shield Against Snow Blindness

The fourth reason why wearing sunglasses is important during autumn and winter is to keep snow blindness at bay. As the autumn season’s vivid orange hues and crunch melody engulf the UK and adjoining nations, another very sought-after phenomenon starts - the European ski season. It is that time of the year when many of us will be planning to take trips to countries like France, Austria or Switzerland. Along with the snowboard, skis and kneepads, it is also essential to wear thick and high-quality sunglasses.

Snow blindness, also known as photokeratitis, is a condition that refers to the burning of your eyes due to the harsh UV rays reflected off of snow, water, or even sand. The result can be an incredibly uncomfortable and painful condition, like having sand in your eyes, light sensitivity and even temporary blindness. Therefore, it is imperative to wear polarised goggles when out in the snow during autumn and winter.

Want to know about snow sunglasses? Check out our blog on the topic!

5.The Sun’s Glare is Harsher During Autumn

The sun’s glare is quite harsh, intense and strong during the autumn, owing to the fact that its position is lower in the sky. The glare can be so overpowering at times that it might make driving, and walking dangerous or lead to temporary blindness. To steer clear of the overwhelming glare of the autumn sun, it is essential to wear polarised sunglasses.

Of course, all types of sunglasses, including the classic black pair, shield your eyes against lots of glare. But, the best option, undoubtedly, is sunglasses with brown-tinted lenses. They help distinguish between reds, greens, and yellows better in bright light under an umbrella of glare. Thus, activities like driving get easier.

6.Style is A Year-round Requirement

Along with the practical reasons for wearing sunglasses (the ones mentioned above), there is of course the cosmetic reason for donning them all throughout the year. Sunglasses are an instant game-changer when it comes to making you look and feel fashionable. They can transform even the simplest outfit into an ultra-stylish ensemble and give off an intriguing charisma. So, one easy-peasy way to look glamorous during autumn-winter is by flaunting super cool shades.

Keep Your Eyes Protected from the Autumn Sun - Explore Our Sunglasses

Sunglasses are not limited to the summer season, and Specscart has been a proponent of this view since its inception. We believe that sunnies are a year-round necessity, and there is ‘AFrameforEveryGame.’ Infused with hard coat UV400 tints and customisable to add-ons like polarisation and prescriptions, we ensure that eye protection transcends seasons.