Winter is officially here, which means in some areas biting winds and cold precipitation are also on their way. You would never even contemplate of leaving the house without a heavy sweater or coat in freezing conditions, however unfortunately, far too many people leave their sunglasses at home. While many of us aren't thinking about the shining sun when we are venturing out to the frigid cold, the sun is still a present danger during the winter months, and sometimes can be even stronger.

If you live in or plan to visit a location with snow, it is wise to be extra careful. Especially following a serious snow , the blanket of snow covering the world around you, actually magnifies the reflection of the sun's rays. In fact, without sunglasses it can hurt to open your eyes when you first leave the house following a fresh snow. The ultraviolet sunlight that we are all so careful about in the summertime may in reality be more hazardous in the colder season because it reflects off the snow or ice, giving you double exposure. This is the reason a pair of sunglasses is a crucial part of your winter wardrobe.

Although it's important to pick a style you look good in, the most important consideration when selecting sunglasses is being certain they provide adequate protection against UV. Check that your sunglasses block 100 percent of UV rays by checking for an indication that they block all light up to 400 nanometers - UV400. The good news is proper sun protection isn't necessarily expensive. Dozens of reasonably priced options exist that still provide complete ultraviolet defense.

Another important factor in choosing sun wear is the size of the lenses. You want to make sure your glasses cover as much of the area around your eyes as possible. The larger the surface area covered by your sunglasses, the less harmful UV rays will be able to penetrate. Wrap around frames will also keep radiation from entering from the sides.

For those who enjoy snow or ice sports, you should know that UV radiation is more powerful at higher elevations so it's wise to be particularly cautious to protect yourself on the slopes. In addition to sunglasses, it's a good idea to add on a wide rimmed hat that covers your eyes.

It's important to be knowledgable about proper eye protection all year long. Make your sunglasses a fixed part of your routine.