I am an Ambassador for The Vision Council of America. This post may contain affiliate links.
Last month, my dad shared some great tips for running in cold weather 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
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