You should wear sunglasses year-round, regardless of the weather conditions.
According to Dr. Levine, ultraviolet (UV) exposure is a constant, whether it's sunny, cloudy, winter, or summer. Therefore, protecting your eyes with sunglasses is always essential.
Here's a breakdown of why and when sunglasses are important:
- Year-Round Protection: The sun's UV rays can damage your eyes at any time of the year.
- Cloudy Days: Clouds don't block all UV radiation. Significant UV exposure can still occur on overcast days.
- Winter Conditions: Snow and ice reflect sunlight, increasing UV exposure.
- Near Water: Water also reflects sunlight, intensifying UV exposure. Eye protection is especially important when you're on or near a body of water.
| Scenario | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Sunny Days | Wear sunglasses with UV protection | Protects eyes from direct sunlight and glare. |
| Cloudy Days | Wear sunglasses with UV protection | Protects eyes from UV radiation that penetrates clouds. |
| Winter (Snowy) | Wear sunglasses with UV protection | Protects eyes from UV radiation reflected by snow. |
| Near Water (Beach/Pool) | Wear sunglasses with UV protection and polarization | Protects eyes from UV radiation reflected by water and reduces glare. |
In conclusion, make wearing sunglasses a daily habit to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
