The Ultimate Guide to Wearing Sunglasses All Year Round

Sunglasses have been associated with a sense of cool and style for generations now. From James Dean in the 1950s to the Top Gun resurgence of the 2020s, wearing sunglasses is a style statement that many people choose to adopt in the summer months. However, while it might seem like a bold declaration of taste, there are actually plenty of good reasons to don a pair of shades throughout the year. 

This blog will explore the nature of prescription sunglasses, while explaining why wearing sunnies throughout the year’s colder months can be much more than an element to an outfit. 

How prescription sunglasses work

Prescription shades work by incorporating the vision correction of a typical prescription lens with the sun-blocking elements of sunglasses. It’s simple, really – a sun tint, UV filter and potential polarisation are added to preexisting/copy prescription lenses and then they’re ready to go. Those with prescriptions might be more likely to be seen wearing sunglasses in the winter. 

Why you might want to wear sunglasses all year

Some might consider the idea of “autumn sunglasses” to be a reach; however, there are plenty of legitimate reasons to keep a pair of shades on you at all times. The main reason is that UV rays are present all year round, even on cloudy days, with reflections from frost and ice and snow in winter being the enemy of eyes all over. Eye strain from glare can also come in any season, especially from low-angle sunshine and reflections off wet roads. 

Preventing irritation

It’s also worth noting that, especially in areas with rougher weather, the elements can easily become irritating to the eyes. Windy, dusty or high-pollen areas can cause serious discomfort to the eyes, whatever the season, with sunglasses making a useful barrier against irritants. 

Long-term support

It’s also important to remember that long-term UV exposure can contribute to a variety of eye conditions, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eyelid skin cancer in some cases. Wearing sunglasses over the years can help reduce the risk of these conditions. 

Tips for buying year-round sunglasses

If you’re gonna get a pair of winter sunglasses that you plan on wearing throughout the year, there are a few things you should keep in mind: 

• Prioritise UV protection, choosing shades that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays – darker lenses don’t mean better protection

• Consider polarised lenses as a means to maximise glare reduction

• Think about getting a pair that wraps around the head, to maximise the protection of the eyes from every direction

• Transition lenses are a great way to adapt to changing light conditions, perfect for indoor and outdoor use throughout every month of the year  

• Children have even more sensitive eyes, so they might benefit even more from some year-round shades

Most importantly, you need a good store to buy your shades from. We Will Spec You has a wide range of affordable sunglasses and frames, along with partnerships for transition prescription lenses, so you can protect your eyes in style throughout all the seasons of the year. Visit our website today to find the pair that will protect your eyes from now on!