Protect your eyes from winter sun

Many people assume that excessive exposure to UV light can only happen in the summer months but light reflected off snow can damage the eyes' front surface and people should wear the necessary eye protection to keep their eyes safe. Exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of developing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and growths on the eye. Thousands of skiers and snowboarders in 32 high-altitude ski areas in western North America were interviewed in a recent study to determine if they took precautions against the sun such as wearing goggles, hats and sunscreen and the results were that most of them only did so on occasion. UV radiation exposure increases as the elevation increases and can be high on cloudy days. So while you are outside having fun this winter it is important to protect your eyes by wearing goggles or sunglasses that have UV protection.*