Importance Of Eye Protection For Outdoor Activities

Wearing proper eye protection is extremely important for many outdoor activities. Whether hiking, biking, skiing, motorcycle riding or just about any other outdoor sport or activity, there are many reasons why you need to protect your eyes.
Dangers to your eyes include glare, foreign objects, wind and, of course, UV radiation. Older people and small children have eyes that are especially vulnerable to sun damage. In addition, anyone who has cataracts, any type of eye disease or has had eye surgery needs to pay special attention to getting the right eye protection.
Skiing & Snowboarding
While skiing and snowboarding, unprotected eyes may have trouble with snow blindness, where your eyes may react to the rays of the sun reflected off the snow or ice. In addition, proper snow goggles will protect your eyes from glare which can cause you to veer off the course or even fall. Snow goggles will also protect your eyes from any tree branches that may get snapped in your face if you are skiing into an area of trees or following someone.
Motorcycle Riding
Anyone riding on a motorcycle, whether driver or passenger, should have good eye protection. Motorcycle sunglasses or motorcycle goggles will protect your eyes from the sun, from glare from other vehicles, but also from debris from other vehicles who may be passing you or who you may be passing by.
High Altitude Activities
Climbers and hikers must have eye protection, not just for falling objects or debris, but also from the more intense UV rays. At higher altitudes, UV rays increase about 5% for every 1000 feet in elevation. So, eye protection at high altitudes is critical to avoid eye damage.
Cycling
Similar to people who ride motorcycles, bicyclists need eye protection that protects their eyes from the sun, from debris and from glare. Special face hugging sunglasses are the best choice for bicyclists.
Military & Law Enforcement
Eye protection for military and law enforcement is crucial, not just for protection from the sun, but for protection from glare, to increase the contrast of what they view and for protection from debris or other flying objects they may encounter.
Golf
Proper sunglasses for golfers can eliminate sun distortion and can enable the golfer to see farther and more comfortably despite low sun angles, no matter the time of day.
Other Outdoor Activities
Whether it's kite flying, badminton, frisbee or one of the many other outdoor activities, if the sun is out, you most likely need eye protection. Even in sports like tennis, baseball or volleyball, where your average, everyday sunglasses simply won't stay on your head due to the amount of movement you have to make, there are excellent options for these sports as well. Special wraparound sunglasses are available that will literally hug your face tightly and stay on even during strenuous activities.
No matter the sport or activity, if the sun is out, you need to protect your eyes with sunglasses or goggles.
Lydia Quinn writes for Phat Sports Shades, a leading provider of high performance eyewear and eye protection for sports, motorcycle riding and outdoor activities. Visit us at: http://www.phatsportshades.com
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