OK, so you look cool in those shades! But are they doing the job? Not many people know that the most common skiing and snowboarding injuries are to the eyes!
Ultra Violet Rays can actually cause sunburn of the eyes! This can be only temporary but in severe cases can cause snow blindness. UV rays are always present in daylight, even when cloudy and they are at their most destructive where the atmosphere is clear and is reflected by the snow.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO MAKE SURE YOU CAN CONTINUE SKIING/BOARDING WITH GOOD VISION FOR MANY YEARS TO COME!
Make sure your ski goggles or sunglasses block at least 95% of these UVA and UVB rays. Long term exposure to these rays can permanently damage your eyes causing cataracts and other eye conditions, even short term exposure can cause photokeratitis sunburn of the eyes.
It is likely those cool shades you wear in the summer are totally unsuitable on the slopes. Specialist winter ski goggles are made from more pliant materials which can withstand cold conditions and will not break or shatter on impact.
Your field of vision is important when boarding and skiing so choose ski goggles with large wide lenses and sunglasses that wrap around your face. The tint of the lens is also important. Go for yellow, orange, or rose coloured tints as these will enhance contrast and improve your vision. Modulating lenses are best as they will alter the depth of tint to match the light conditions while still protecting against the UV rays at all times.
For those of you screaming that you wear glasses, well the good news is you no longer have to struggle with trying to fit you glasses underneath your goggles and have a severe risk of fogging, or worse still trying to ski or snowboard with out them! Ski Goggles and sunglasses with all the above features are now available with inserts and lenses which can be made to your own prescription!
Finally, after all our advice you still manage to burn you eyes, (they will be red and itchy and sensitive to light). Then resting indoors can help but if symptoms persist or you are worried then you must see an eye care professional as soon as possible.