3 Reasons to Remind Your Patients about Winter UV Protection

It’s winter and that means snowfall, skiing, snowboarding, and shoveling. But for those of us with eyes on the brain, it also means a lot of glare and reflected UV (ultraviolet) light. And that means it’s vital to remind patients about protecting their eyes. 

Messages of UV protection are often reserved for appointments from May to June (depending on your zip code). But discussing UV in winter is equally important for several reasons.

1. Reflected UV

Many people simply don’t think about UV in the winter. In Spring and Summer, when the sun’s rising in time with the mercury, people naturally think about shielding their eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. But with snow from below reflecting up to 85% of UV*, eye protection should be an equally prevalent concern in winter.
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Light-reactive lenses, whether of the standard, extra reactive, or ultra-fast variety, take all the thinking out of UV protection. They automatically start ramping up the UV protection the second they come into contact with ultraviolet light. So your patients are as protected in January as they are in June – whether they planned it or not. 

2. Altitude

Winter retreats for those who don’t live in snowy climates, usually means escaping to the mountains. This brings another UV risk factor into play – elevation. At higher altitudes, there’s less atmosphere to filter out UVA and UVB radiation.  And less natural filtration from our atmosphere means more UV getting through to our eyes. 

With SunSync, the UV protection is built right into their corrective lenses. So, as long as they don’t leave their glasses at home, they won’t have to worry about bringing an extra pair of lenses along for the trip. Perfect for anyone who loves packing light!

3. Mindset

Come summertime, it’s almost second-nature for most of us to keep our shades handy for stepping outside. But like our friend the bear, those sunglasses are often tucked away in winter for a long hibernation.

With SunSync, your patients can leave their suns in the drawer or glove compartment and feel confident that they're eyes are protected every time they step outside. Dark when they need them. Clear when they don’t.

Better Reliability Regardless of Temperature

Dealing with the unreliablity of weather is just part of life. Dealing with unreliable lenses due to those changing conditions doesn't have to be. SunSync Light-Reactive Lenses are 20% less temperature sensitive, providing your patients better reliability regardless of their environment.

Do you speak to your patients about winter UV risks? Share your tips, thoughts, or comments below.

*The Vision Council, “Spare Your Sight: Using Shades for Protection and Style 2016 UV Protection Report.” See Article.