You don't like having the marks of the goggles on your face? However, protecting your eyes in the mountains is essential. Find out why, and how to best protect your eyes in the snow.
Unlike the skin, which lets us know when the sun becomes harmful by burning, UV rays are invisible and painless to the eyes. So it’s often too late when pain appears.
Altitude + snow = danger for your eyes
The combination of snow and altitude makes the effects of UV rays all the more dangerous. Indeed, for each 1000m gain in altitude, the proportion of UV increases by 10%. So the higher you go, the more UV you'll find. By spending your vacation at 2500m, you’ll be exposed to an additional 25% UV compared to in the valley.
Snow reflects 85% of the rays
Your eyes are therefore exposed to the harmful effects of UV rays even when you’re in the shade of a parasol, or in cloudy weather. Ski goggles are the best answer to the sun’s reflection. Unlike simple glasses, there’s no space between the face and the goggles, so the rays can’t pass through.
So too bad about the tan marks - they’ll just remind you of good times spent skiing ! Because not protecting your eyes in the mountains exposes you to painful eye damage, and possible premature ageing of the eyes.
What if wearing goggles was above all a matter of style? You wouldn't hesitate to get one. So treat yourself! The goggles currently available are real fashion accessories that will complement your outfit to perfect your style.
- For all things eye-related, check that your accessories carry the CE mark.
- Enveloping and comfortable for kids, goggles are the ideal solution !
- The protection factor must be adapted both to your use, the terrain, and above all, the brightness of the day in question. Be aware that whatever category you choose, goggles all protect your eyes 100% from UV rays.
The category: It shows the protection factor of the lens.
Cat. 1: reduced brightness
It will suffice for low light. It lets you see the relief of the terrain better. In the mountains, this corresponds to a white day, a day of snow or fog.
Cat. 2: average brightness
This will be more versatile, but won’t be sufficient in fine weather.
Cat. 3: strong brightness
It should be used in sunny weather.
Cat. 4: exceptional brightness (prohibited for driving)
This will be necessary when travelling in the high mountains (above 3500 metres), rarely the case when you go skiing!
Today, there are goggles that provide you with maximum protection by adapting to mountain UV rays which change very quickly on the slopes:
Goggles with photochromatic lenses
goggles with a photochromatic lens can adapt automatically and slowly to UV rays. No handling is required - you’ll be the king of the slopes whatever the weather!
Goggles with multiple lenses
Goggles with multiple lenses let you change the lens according to the weather and so adapt the protection factor.
Goggles offer effective protection from the cold, wind and sun, while improving your vision. So it’s highly recommended that you wear one to protect your eyes on the ski slopes!
Digital Leader
