Skiing can be a dangerous sport — for the eyes more than any other part of the body. High altitudes combined with snow slopes make UV light particularly intense, even when skies are overcast, putting you at risk for photokeratitis (sunburn of the eyes) or even the more severe snow-blindness.
Finding the right eye protection against UV light is extra important when skiing. Your shades or goggles should meet the following criteria, set out by Eyecare Trust:
- UV protection. Sunglasses or goggles need to protect eyes from at least 95 percent of UVA and UVB light to prevent short-term conditions and long-term damage.
- Material. Frames should be made of a pliable material that will not break in cold temperatures or upon impact, and lenses should be made of a shatterproof material such as polycarbonate.
- Lens color. Orange- and rose-colored lenses block blue light, making them the best choice for snow. Alternatively, you can reduce glare and improve your vision with polarized lenses.
- Scratch-resistance lenses. Look for eyewear made from a scratch-resistant material, such as polycarbonate, or lenses that have a scratch-resistant coating. This will help your eye protection last longer and avoid marks that could otherwise obscure your vision.
- Fit. If you choose to ski in goggles, a good fit is particularly important. Look for a pair with a strap that can be easily adjusted and has a secure buckle.
- Prescription lenses. Wearing glasses underneath goggles may be uncomfortable. A better option is to find a pair of sunglasses or goggles that can be fitted with prescription lenses or to switch to contact lenses while you are skiing.
- Design. Wraparound-style shades and goggles with large lenses are best for protecting eyes from the sun, reducing distortion, and allowing you to see clearly when skiing.
All Real Kids sunglasses offer 100 percent protection against UVA and UVB rays and have polycarbonate lenses to keep children safe on the slopes. Many of our designs are available polarized to reduce the glare of light bouncing off the snow. Check out our collection of shades to find a pair for your kids.