With Snow Blindness On The Increase Ski Goggles Retailer Sight Direct Advises Skiers To Proceed With Caution

As the most popular season for ski breaks gets well under way and thousands of people UK wide prepare to hit the slopes, Sightdirect, the leading providers of ski goggles and sunglasses are warning winter sports enthusiasts on the dangers posed by the winter sun.

Matthew Coxhead, managing director from the firm who offer Oakley sunglasses, Ray-Ban lenses and Dragon Alliance said, “Many sports enthusiast are left unaware of the dangers posed by the sun during the winter months, and contrary to popular belief, even though sun’s rays are not as warm, it is even more dangerous than during the summer months.

Those who book ski breaks are particularly at risk because not only are the UV rays coming from above, but your eyes are also affected by the glare from below in snowy locations.”

Dubbed as the most hazardous of situations, hazy days are particularly problematic because skiers often feel that it is unnecessary to wear eye protection, when in fact there is a risk of up to 85 per-cent of UV rays being reflected upwards. This can lead to sunburn of the photokeratitis.

Mr Coxhead added, “Snow blindness is a condition which is currently on the increase so it is a really serious issue. Causing damage to the cornea, snow blindness can cause eye pain and extreme sensitivity to light, which can feel akin to having sand in your eyes.

“Here at Sightdirect, we are actively working to warn sports enthusiasts of the dangers in a bid to reduce the number of sufferers.”

As part of Sightdirect’s ever-expanding product catalogue, they stock a wide range of specialist products, including ski goggles, motocross goggles and sports prescription sunglasses, including their popular Oakley range of goggles which make use of lens colours and designs specifically to protect the eyes from winter sun.

The Oakley A Frame Snow Goggles, priced at just £74.99 offer 100% protection against UV A, B and harmful blue light in addition to a superior venting system to eliminate fogging. These goggles also offer a stylish design and even come complete with a microfibre sock and cleaning cloth to keep them in pristine condition.