Choosing Frames for Winter Sports

For anyone going skiing, snowboarding, or even walking at high altitudes, it’s essential to wear goggles or good quality UV400-rated sunglasses because on mountains, the sun’s harmful UV rays are often underestimated. In fact, the higher the altitude, the greater the ultraviolet radiation is because there is less atmosphere to screen out the harmful rays.

If you play winter sports, either professionally or for fun, this guide is to help you through the considerations you need to make before buying a pair of winter sports frames.

Getting The Correct Fit

The last thing you want is for your ski goggles to fall off your face halfway down the trail.
You want to find a pair of goggles that are made of a material that is flexible enough to adjust on your face, either plastic or acetate. The key to ensuring the perfect fit is ensuring your goggles grip well at the temples and the nose pads don’t slip. Adjust the elastic strap to make sure the goggles stay in their intended place. Some frames also come with built-in vents for better airflow and less fogging.

Did you know that winter sports glasses can be customised using a prescription insert?

Speak to a member of staff in one of our stores to learn more about your options.

Material

You will want to make sure that your winter sports glasses have a high impact resistance. Areas suitable for winter sports are also susceptible to extreme climate conditions such as snowfall and jet streams. The best options for material are plastic acetate, polycarbonate, and Trivex.

UV Protection

Snow reflects sunlight well, unfortunately, which can be bad for our eyes. Because of this, a UV coating for sports glasses is a must. Long-term exposure to harmful UV rays can lead to conditions like cataracts.

Polarised Lenses and Mirror Lenses

Polarised lenses are great for counteracting the effect of glare. Glare is mainly experienced in bright areas and foggy conditions.

Mirror lenses are also worth considering as they further limit light exposure, which could cause photokeratitis (snow blindness) on bright, sunny days.

Lens Colour

Different colour lenses will help with different conditions.

Grey: Great for all weather use, blocks glare without changing your colour perception.

Brown, Amber, Rose: Good to enhance contrast against a white background so you can see shadows, ridges and bumps. Choose brown for bright sunshine and amber or rose for lower light levels.

Yellow: Great for low light and overcast days. Filters out blue light to enhance your perception of shadows. Better contrast and perception of better visual acuity.

Remember! The lens colour and tint have nothing to do with the UV protection, as the UV filter applied to lenses is clear.

Are you after a pair of winter sports frames?
Visit your local Opticare Opticians in-store to discuss the options available to you.