If you have been snowboarding in Massachusetts, you would know that wearing ski goggles is important for your safety and protection. Most people find mountain environment very unusual when it comes to light, wind and weather conditions. Sunlight reflecting against the snow can be too glaring for your eyes. Added to that, UV rays can cause damage to your eyes and can cause cataracts in the end. Although wearing sunglasses can provide UV protection, it is not meant to be worn for extreme sports such as snowboarding or skiing. Here are five reasons why ski goggles are essential for winter sports:
1. Reduce Glare
When snowboarding or skiing, a clear visibility is important to prevent any accidents. Using a specialized goggle lens can help you achieve this. For instance, polarized or dark lens are best for a very bright and sunny day. They minimize reflected glare so the wearer does not need to squint to see well. Goggles with photochromic lenses are even better because they are more light sensitive and changes how they block light depending on the amount of sunlight present.
2. Increase contrast
Contrast is important in winter sports because it helps you see bumps and slopes ahead. Lens colors that can increase contrast include amber, brown or rose. Amber lenses are good to wear under cloudy skies or in cases where trails are dimly lit. Brown lenses are the most versatile because it can be worn under different weather conditions. It can block a minimal portion of sunlight during hot, sunny weather and it can also improve contrast. It filters blue light waves, thus, giving more clarity and depth to shades of green such as trees and bushes. Rose-colored lenses, on the other hand, are best worn during hazy and cloudy conditions.
3. Protection from cold and debris
Cold weather can cause sore and irritated eyes. In addition to that, snowboarding and skiing exposes you to wind for prolonged periods of time. Ski goggles seals the eyes so small particles and the cold wind will not deter you from seeing your way clearly. Night skiing and snowboarding does not require any colored lens. Clear lenses are enough and will not alter vision under dark conditions.
4. Additional protection from piste or trail accidents
Beginners would usually fall over or meet accidents along the trail. Lack of control over speed and direction can cause you to hit branches and twigs, which may damage the eyes if not covered properly. Wearing a snug fitting ski goggles helps prevent further injury in these cases.
5. Eye protection that will never fall off
Winter sports require high speed and doing so may cause things to fall off easily if not properly secured. Wearing sunglasses may protect your eyes from UV rays but it is not the best eye protection for snowboarding. What you need is a good pair of ski goggles made from polycarbonate material. Also, choose anti-fogging lenses. The frame must be soft and pliant to follow the contour of the face. The elastic strap must be thick enough to keep the goggles in place.
Choosing snowboarding as your sport requires maximum safety and precaution. In this type of extreme sport, vision is the most important element. If you cannot achieve a 100% clear vision when riding, better not ride at all, or else you will only put yourself in the way of danger.