I am an Ambassador for The Vision Council of America. This post may contain affiliate links.Β
Last month, my dad shared some great tips for running in cold weatherΒ and winter running gear. And with below-zero temperatures and blizzard warnings in parts of the country this weekend, it’s crucial to stay safe out there. We need to cover & protect our arms, legs, head, fingers, toes…but what about protecting our eyes?
Sunglasses probably aren’t the first thing that come to mind when you’re preparing for a cold run. But the reality is that every day – whether it’s sunny or cloudy, summer or winter – we are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. In fact, some winter conditions heighten our susceptibility to UV damage, particularly for those of us who run in high-altitudes or in snow & ice. Fresh snow reflects nearly 80 percent of UV radiation, nearly doubling our UV exposure! And UV rays can bounce back off of frozen water, which means that the rays actually hit our skin twice. Yikes.
You’re also at risk when it’s overcast. Don’t let the fact that you can’t see the sun fool you. UV radiation is invisible and can penetrate clouds. It can also be reflected from buildings, pavement, and other surfaces.
So what does all this mean for you? Well, overexposure to UV radiation can cause all kinds of damage to your eyes, skin, and overall health. It can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration, two of the leading causes of vision loss among older Americans. Think of wearing sunglasses as protecting your older self – the self who is able to look at her grandchildren & loved ones with the same bright, clear eyes that she had in her youth.

Now let’s talk about the right kind of sunglasses for running in cold weather. The Vision Council of America recommends that runners wear sunglasses with a snug fit, lightweight frames, and non-slip nose pieces and temples. The Vision Council also recommends that anyone who participates in outdoor activities in cold weather should protect their eyes with any or all of the following winter running gear:
- Sunglasses
- Sport goggles
- Over-Rx sunglasses designed to be worn over prescription eyeglasses
- Sun-clips that can be snapped on to a pair of eyeglasses
- Photochromic lenses which darken to sunglass lenses as you move from the indoors to the outdoors
- Polycarbonate lenses which offer UV protection as well as impact-resistance
{giveaway is now closed}
Amberm says
Never would have thought about this! Thank you for sharing!
sharon says
Me neither. Thanks for stopping by! π
k says
My husband needs sunglasses SO badly! He’s been consistently losing them almost immediately after buying them so he’s given up the past 6 months or so!
Lesa says
Yes I wear sunglasses during the winter if the sun is shining, but mainly when I am driving.
Alexa Cohen says
I wear sunglasses all the time!
mermont84 says
I need to wear sunglasses, the cold hurts my eyes!
Tena Osborne says
Allways.
Debbie Lamb says
Yep. I always wear sunglasses in the winter. Living in Wisconsin it can be very very bright!
debra daigle says
Year round!
debra daigle says
Wear them year round! My eyes are so sensitive to bright light my kids think Im a vampire lol
Heather says
I love sun glasses! They look awesome!
sharon says
Especially in selfies. Or maybe that’s just me. π
Liberty Boblett says
I do from time to time. Need to be more religious about wearing sunglasses for eye health.
kelly mcgrew says
i always wear sunglasses outside. sometimes people stare at me and i’m thinking, they’re called SUNglasses not SUMMERglasses!
michele l says
yes i do were sun glasses and when i walk it keep the wind out of my eyes
Amanda Taylor says
I run outside everyday, would love shades!
Emily says
I wear them year around but need to invest in a new pair! I do wear a moisturizing sunscreen though all year too – very helpful!!
sharon says
Me too. This year I discovered tinted moisturizer/sunscreen and it’s pretty much all I wear now. π
Sara K. Larsen (@Sara_Runs) says
I need to invest in a pair of sunglasses. Great post!
sharon says
Thanks! I actually have my first nice pair, which I got at a BlogHer/Vision Council event this summer. I’m trying hard not to lose or destroy them!
Debbie Denny says
Yes I use eye protection. Very important!
sharon says
I need to get better at it. Happy New Year! π
Amanda Love ~ Growing Up Madison says
I’m a big advocate of protecting your eyes from the sun in all seasons. A lot of people think that they don’t need to in the winter but it’s just as important. Thanks for the reminder and great giveaway.
sharon says
So true! I need to get better at protecting my kids’ eyes too.
Neatly- Packaged says
yay giveaway!!! π I have to admit I never run with sunglasses if it isn’t that bright outside. Plus I am a big fan of the treadmill. Thanks for sharing π
http://neatly-packaged.blogspot.com/
sharon says
I’m a treadmill girl too. I’m a big baby about the weather – plus I’m a big fan of watching TV while I run. π
Amy @ Will Run For Ice Cream says
I never run with sunglasses… but I need to start!
sharon says
New Year’s Resolution? π
Sara @ lifebetweenthemiles says
This giveaway came at the perfect time. I was just telling my husband yesterday after my outdoor run that I think it may be smart to get a pair of sunglasses for when I run outdoors this winter, since my eyes hurt from the wind and cold!
sharon says
I never really even thought of that, but so true! We don’t get many windy & cold days in Florida. π
Amy O. says
I commented over here: https://www.mommyrunsit.com/give-break/#comment-603
Thanks for the giveaway! π
Amy O. says
I don’t wear sunglasses, but I know I should!
Sharon says
I was in the habit of wearing a hat or visor to shield my eyes, but I’ve been trying to get used to running in sunglasses.