Why 100% UV Blocking Lenses are Essential for Winter

Imagine embarking on an Arctic adventure in the heart of winter. You’re snowmobiling through pristine landscapes, surrounded by endless snow-covered mountains, and witnessing the breathtaking dance of colors in the sky, from blues to vibrant greens. This exhilarating journey inspired our latest collection, Arjeplog – a range of sunglasses designed to encapsulate the spirit of the Arctic and provide sustainable eyewear. But when spending time in the Arctic conditions, it’s crucial to wear sunglasses with lenses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of such lenses to protect your eyes during winter adventures.

The Threat of UV Radiation: It might be tempting to believe that in the frigid Arctic conditions of winter, there’s little risk of sun-related damage. However, this is far from the truth. In fact, the reflection of sunlight off snow can intensify the impact of harmful UV radiation. To safeguard your eyes during your Arctic escapade, here are some vital reasons to invest in sunglasses with 100% UV blocking lenses:

Arjeplog C1

UVA + UVB

  1. Protection Against UVB and UVA Rays: UVB and UVA rays are two types of ultraviolet light emitted by the sun. UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburn, while UVA rays can lead to long-term skin damage. Prolonged exposure to these rays can be harmful to your eyes, potentially causing cataracts, photokeratitis, and other eye problems. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of both UVB and UVA rays is essential for preventing eye damage.
  2. Comfort and Practicality: To ensure your eyewear offers effective protection, it’s crucial that they are comfortable and practical. Uncomfortable or impractical sunglasses are likely to be left behind, leaving your eyes vulnerable to the sun’s harmful rays. Sunglasses that fit well and suit the specific activities you’ll be doing during your Arctic adventure are essential.
person skiing in arctic conditions

Outdoor checklist

  1. Use Goggles for Outdoor Sports: If you’re planning to engage in outdoor sports, especially in snowy conditions, consider using goggles. Goggles not only provide UV protection but also shield your eyes from wind and debris, ensuring optimal eye safety during high-speed activities like skiing and snowmobiling.
  2. Always Carry a Spare Pair: In the Arctic, conditions can be unpredictable, and eyewear can get damaged or lost. Always have a spare pair of sunglasses with you to ensure that you are never without proper eye protection.

Dark sunglasses, cloudy days and timing.

  1. Dark Sunglasses and UV Protection: Avoid the misconception that dark sunglasses offer adequate protection. Without proper UV protection, dark lenses can actually be more harmful to your eyes than not wearing sunglasses at all. Dark lenses cause your pupils to dilate, allowing more dangerous UV rays to enter your eyes. Opt for sunglasses that offer UV protection while reducing glare.
  2. UV Rays Penetrate Clouds: Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate through the cloud cover. Approximately 90% of UV rays manage to pass through clouds, increasing the risk of eye damage. Additionally, these rays reflect off surfaces like snow, further intensifying exposure. Hence, don’t be fooled by an overcast day – always wear your sunglasses.
  3. Timing Matters: UV radiation from the sun can affect you year-round, even during the winter season. Avoid the peak hours of UV radiation, which are typically between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Being near water, snow, or ice can amplify UV radiation exposure. So, whether you’re skiing, snowmobiling, or skating on an outdoor ice rink, sunglasses are a must to protect your eyes from the sun’s relentless rays.
woman wearing Akenberg Kallax sunglasses

Conclusion

When embarking on an Arctic adventure during winter, wearing sunglasses with lenses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays is essential for safeguarding your eyes. The pristine landscapes may be beautiful, but they can also intensify the impact of harmful UV radiation. Invest in eyewear that is comfortable, practical, and designed for your specific activities to ensure your eyes remain protected throughout your journey. Your Arctic adventure should be memorable for all the right reasons, and proper eye protection will play a significant role in making it so.