The arrival of the fall season is often marked by crisp, cool temperatures, warm sweaters, and pumpkin spice lattes. However, we would encourage you to add a good quality pair of sunglasses with UV protection to that list! Why should sunglasses be an important part of your fall wardrobe? Your eyes still need protection from the sun even during overcast, cloudy days. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t put away your sunglasses just yet:

The Position of the Sun

While we might squint more during those summer days when the sun is out and in our faces, the sunlight’s path to the eyes is actually more direct in the fall. This is because the sun sits closer to the horizon in the fall, which places our eyes at greater risk for overexposure to UV rays.

Changing Temperatures

The temperature swing from the heat of the summer to the cool weather of the fall can cause your eyes to become dry, red or watery. The colder the air, the stiffer and thicker the eyes’ tear oils become. Because these tears don’t spread as evenly over the surface of the eyes, they struggle to provide sufficient protection and moisture. You can combat this effect by wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from cool winds!

Increased Sun Glare

Because the sun is positioned at a lower angle in the fall, it can produce a harsh glare that can present danger while driving. Rays of light that reflect off of smooth surfaces like the metal of nearby cars can be so bright, they are almost blinding. Continue wearing your sunglasses while driving to protect your eyes from fall sun glares!

Sunglasses aren’t just for the summer- continue wearing your sunglasses year-round to protect your eyes! If you’re looking for advice about a new pair of high-quality sunglasses for the fall, with or without prescription lenses, come visit us at the Optical Shop. Contact us (203) 222-7870 or OpticalShopofWestport@gmail.com to make an appointment.