Wearing sunglasses during winter was once akin to donning them at night – the sign of a poseur. However, today we have a better understanding of the dangers of ultraviolet light (UV) and why we should protect our eyes from glare even during the darker depths of the year.
Getting it right on the ski slopes is particularly important due to the combination of super-reflective snow creating extremely strong glare and the fact that at higher altitudes there is far less atmosphere to filter out UV rays.
Having the wrong sunglasses or wearing none at all are the biggest causes of eye injuries in winter sports, either through UV damage or not being able to see hazards effectively. A suitable pair of sunnies is as important a piece of kit as skis or snowboard.
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Thankfully, the customisability of sunglasses is better than ever so your perfect pair is definitely out there. You can chop and change between these options to find the right lenses for you – be that polarised, mirrored, photochromic, prescription or a combination of the above.
UV protection
When you're wearing darker lenses, your pupils naturally dilate, letting in more light, so if your sunnies are not UV protected (100 per cent protection is what you're looking for), then you're exposing yourself to potentially serious damage. UV protection should always be clearly stated on the glasses – if it isn't, don't buy them.
Polarised lenses
Glare is especially strong when reflected by snow. Polarised lenses all but eliminate glare, preventing you squinting (which can cause headaches) or getting dazzled (which is dangerous). The only disadvantage is they reduce glare so well you may not be able to distinguish regular snow from patches of ice. If this is a concern, you might want to try...
Mirrored lenses
These are great for serious sportspeople as they reduce glare but do not get rid of it completely. That should allow you to spot any of those icy patches out there on the black runs.
Photochromic lenses
Also called light-adaptive lenses, these change their tint depending on available light conditions so you don't have to change your glasses at all, regardless of how much sun you encounter. As such, they're the perfect all-rounder for a full day out on the slopes.
Designed specifically for the sportsperson, these glasses are lightweight for comfort, can come with polarised lenses and are wide to avoid light getting in at the sides.
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