Eye Care Tip #11 | Sunglasses for Winter Driving

Guy wearing a toque and sunglasses while driving. 

When most people think about sunglasses, they think about summer. But did you know that sunglasses are almost more critical in the winter? 

With the sun rising later and setting sooner and remaining lower in the horizon, most Edmontonians will find themselves having to drive into its glare at some point during the day. 

Sunglasses are probably more important in the winter than they are in the summer. 

Fresh white snow also makes the perfect reflective surface to further magnify the suns intensity, which can lead to blinding glare and a hazardous driving situation. 

So what should you look for in winter sunglasses? 

Polarized Lenses

  • Polarized lenses help to not only reduce the suns intensity like regular sunglasses, but they also cut out the reflection from surfaces like snow, water and ice. By reducing the glare, you will be better set to see oncoming traffic, icy spots on the road, and most importantly pedestrians. 

Brown Tints

  • We call brown tints, the happy hues! Unlike dark grey or black lenses that make the whole world darker, brown coloured lenses can actually improve contrast. They also tend to work better in a variety of lighting conditions, including overcast situations which we will encounter in the winter months. Brown coloured lenses block just as much harmful UV rays as grey or black lenses, so rest assured that your eyes are being protected. 

This Eye Care Tip of the Week is brought you by our neighbours in Kingsway Mall Pearle Vision