It's official! Winter is here, which means in some parts of the country bitter cold winds and frigid rain, snow and sleet are also in the forecast. Most of us wouldn't ever contemplate of leaving the house without a coat in freezing conditions, however surprisingly, a lot of people leave their sunglasses at home. While many of us don't think about the glaring sunshine when we are bundling up against the bitter cold, the sun's rays are still a present danger during the winter months, and in certain circumstances can be even stronger.

If you live in or plan to visit a location with snow, it is wise to be even more careful. Particularly following a snow storm, the blanket of snow covering the ground, trees and everything else in sight, actually intensifies the reflection of the sun. In fact, for many it can downright hurt your eyes when you first step outdoors following a heavy snowfall. The UV radiation that we are all so vigilant in avoiding during the summer months can really be more dangerous in the wintertime due to the fact that it bounces off the snow or ice, giving you double exposure. This is why a pair of sunglasses is a crucial winter accessory.

Even though you want to pick a style you look good in, the most important part of choosing sunglasses is being certain they will properly protect your eyes. Be sure your sunglasses block 100 percent of UV light by looking for confirmation that they block all light up to 400 nanometers - UV400. The good news is you don't necessarily have to purchase designer glasses for adequate coverage from the sun. Many of the more inexpensive brands are made with complete UV defense.

Another important feature in selecting sun wear is the size of the frame. You will have the most protection when the lenses cover as much of the area around your eyes as possible. The more coverage you have, the less harmful UV rays will be able to penetrate. Glasses with side shield will also prevent radiation from entering from the sides.

For the skiers or snowboarders out there, you should know that the sun's rays are stronger at peak heights, so be especially sure to protect your eyes on the ski slope. In addition to sunglasses, it's a good idea to add on a wide brimmed hat that covers your eyes.

This winter, keep warm and keep your eyes safe! Make your sunglasses a fixed part of your routine.