5 Reasons to Wear Sunglasses All Winter Long

Why wait for warmer weather? Sun protection is needed all year round, which is why you need to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays, even in the snow! Learn all the reasons why you should wear your sunglasses every time you’re outside this winter.

And why not look good while wearing them? Our Optical Boutique offers stylish, functional sun protection for all ages. Now, let’s get into these reasons to wear sunglasses this season:

1. Sunglasses Protect Eyes from Wind, Dust, and Debris

While winter might not consist of the sunniest days, it doesn’t mean there won’t be wind, dust, and debris in the air. By wearing sun protection when you’re outside, you are protecting your eyes against all the pollutants flying through the air. 

2. Sunglasses Reduce Glare

For those winter days that are full of sunshine, you will want to wear your sun protection to reduce glare. Glare occurs when too much light enters your eye, and your eye is unable to manage it. Glare can result in distraction and cause accidents, especially while driving. Getting sun in your eyes can also lead to eye fatigue over time, which can all be avoided by wearing your sunnies. 

3. Sunglasses Protect Your Eyes from Damaging UV Rays

The long-term effects of UV ray exposure and cause a numerous amount of eye problems. This consistent exposure to UV radiation can result in the slow deterioration of the retina or damage to the cornea. This exposure may also result in cataracts, which is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. As we know, excessive sun exposure can lead to skin cancer, which can also include skin cancer around the eyelids.

4. Sunglasses Reduce Eyestrain

By wearing your sunglasses outside, all year round, you are avoiding eyestrain from your eyes continually having to adjust to the sunlight. By reducing your chance of eyestrain, you are also reducing the likelihood that you will have dry eyes. Be aware of the selection of sunglasses though, as the wrong pair can lead to tired eyes. 

5. Sunglasses Can Lead to Fewer Headaches

Bright sunlight can trigger headaches and migraines for many people. This is because your eyes are always trying to adjust to the sun, which can lead to severe eye strain. Even if you don’t typically experience headaches, this exposure to the sun can lead you to start developing them.

If you don’t have a great pair of sunglasses, get to shopping so you can avoid these eye problems this winter.

For more information about our selection of sunglasses, check out our Optical Boutique or contact Illinois Eye Center at (309) 243-2400 to schedule your comprehensive eye exam with our eye care specialists today.

Holiday Hours

During the holiday season, Illinois Eye Center has special hours for our three locations. Please review below and contact us at 309-243-2400 with any questions.

Pekin and Washington 

  • Closed from December 23rd through December 27th. All services will be available in Peoria per the below schedule. We will reopen with normal business hours on 12/30.
 

Peoria Office (including Optical Department and EyeCareToday – Same Day)

  • December 23rd – normal business hours
  • December 24th – Closed (*By appointment only)
  • December 25th – Closed
  • December 26th – normal business hours resume
 

All offices (Peoria, Washington, Peoria, Optical Department, and EyeCareToday – Same Day)

  • December 31st, all offices will close early at 4:00 PM
  • January 1st – Closed (*By appointment only)
  • January 2nd – normal business hours resume