It's official! Winter is here, which means in some parts of the country bitter cold winds and cold rains and sometimes snow aren't far behind. The majority of us wouldn't ever contemplate of leaving the house without a jacket in icy climates; nevertheless unfortunately, a lot of people don't think to take their sunglasses. While the sun may not be our first consideration during times that we are battling the frigid winter climate, the sun is still a present danger during the winter months, and sometimes can be even stronger.

For times when you frequent a location with snow, you should be even more cautious. In particular following a snow storm, the world around takes on a sparkling glimmer as a result of the sunlight reflecting off of the water molecules blanketing the ground and the trees. In fact, it can be painful to open your eyes when you first leave the house following a fresh snowfall. The UV exposure that most people are so vigilant about during the heat of the summer may actually be more dangerous during the wintertime since it reflects off the snow or ice, giving you double exposure. This is the reason a sturdy pair of sunglasses is a crucial part of your winter wardrobe.

Even though you want to feel great in your shades, the most important part of deciding upon a pair of sunglasses is making sure they will properly protect your eyes. Check that your sunglasses block 100 percent of UV light by checking for confirmation that they block all light up to 400 nanometers - UV400. Don't worry, proper protection for your eyes doesn't mean you have to buy the most expensive pair. Dozens of inexpensive options exist that still provide total UV defense.

Another important factor in picking the right sun wear is the size of the frame. You will have the most protection when the lenses cover as much of the area around your eyes as possible. The more coverage you have, the less harmful radiation will be able to penetrate. Wrap around frames will also stop radiation from sneaking in from the periphery.

If you like to ski or frolic in the snowy hills, it’s important to know that the sun's rays are stronger at peak heights, so it's wise to be particularly sure to guard your eyes on the ski slope. In addition to sunglasses, it's a good idea to wear a protective hat with a wide brim or visor.

Be in the know about the risks of UV damage to your eyes throughout the year. Don't forget to wear your sunglasses.