The importance of UV protection in the Winter

Written by Optometrist, Naeem Husain

As the Summer turns to Autumn, many places in the Country are experiencing cooler weather and less sunlight. While it may be tempting to slack off on sun protection when the rays aren’t beating down, it’s imperative to stay vigilant through the more overcast days.

Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which lead to tanning, dark spots and wrinkles, remain constant throughout the year and can penetrate through clouds and fog.

Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which are mainly responsible for sunburn, are the strongest in the summer. However, UVB rays can burn and damage your skin year-round, especially on more reflective surfaces.

Your first line of defence against this sun damage is clothing. Covering up is of course easier in the cooler months as the weather is more wet and colder. However, your face, head and neck tend to remain exposed year-round, and this is where most skin cancers occur. A wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses makes all the difference. A hat tends to keep you warmer while keeping UV rays from damaging your face and scalp, and sunglasses protect your eyes while also fighting glare.

Driving through the autumn and winter months tends to result in increased dazzle and glare from wet roads and a lower angle of the sun. That is why I advise all patients to ensure they have updated sunglasses and are actively using them. Continuing sun protection efforts through the colder, cloudier months of the year reduces your risk of premature skin ageing and developing the world’s most common cancer, skin cancer.

UV protection with eyewear comes in three main variations;

Photochromic Lenses (lenses that darken when exposed to UV, however will struggle to react through car windscreens or inside due to UV blocking properties of glass)

Standard tinted lenses (lenses tinted with a chemical to block UV rays from affecting the surface of the eye and the surrounding skin)

Polarised lenses (lenses treated with a film of embedded chemical to block horizontal rays of light responsible for glare, vertical light is transmitted enabling increased clarity)

So make sure you haven’t packed away your sunglasses with your summer clothes as you’ll need them for the low winter sun. If your sun specs have seen better days why not consider an upgrade? We have an amazing range of sunglasses in a variety of styles. Just look at some of our latest 'framous clients!'