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Believe it or not, winter is right around the corner. The days are already growing shorter, and soon, the ground will be blanketed with snow. As you gear up for a day of skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or shoveling the driveway, it’s crucial to be aware of a serious, yet little-known risk to your eyes: snow blindness. Anyone who spends time in snowy environments is at risk of snow blindness, and understanding what this condition is and how to prevent it is essential for maintaining optimal eye health.
What Is Snow Blindness?
Photokeratitis is a painful condition that occurs when eyes are exposed to excessive ultraviolet (UV) rays. It’s like a sunburn that specifically impacts the cornea, which is the transparent layer that covers the front of the eye. Snow blindness is a type of photokeratitis that occurs when UV rays from the sun reflect off the snow, ice, or water, leading to pain, discomfort, and even temporary vision loss.
Snow blindness can occur quickly — sometimes all it takes is just a few hours of UV exposure. While this condition is usually temporary, repeated UV exposure without proper protection can cause long-term damage, including cataracts.
Symptoms of Snow Blindness
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in more extreme cases, snow blindness can be debilitating. The symptoms may not be immediately apparent, sometimes taking several hours after UV exposure to develop. Common symptoms include:
- Pain and discomfort: Pain can range from mild to intense, along with a feeling of sand or grit in the eyes.
- Redness and swelling: The eyes may appear bloodshot, red, or swollen.
- Watery eyes: Excessive tearing is the body’s natural response to cornea damage or irritation.
- Blurry vision: Vision can become blurred, hazy or distorted, impeding the ability to see clearly.
- Light sensitivity: A strong sensitivity to light can make it uncomfortable to open the eyes in especially bright environments.
- Headache: Headaches may develop as the eyes strain to compensate for vision issues.
Causes of Snow Blindness
While snow blindness is commonly associated with snow-covered environments, photokeratitis can occur anywhere UV rays are reflected off bright surfaces. People who spend sunny days at the beach without adequate eye protection can also experience photokeratitis. UV rays can even penetrate through clouds, posing a threat to eye health.
Snow blindness is particularly dangerous because snow reflects 80 to 90 percent of the sunlight that hits it. In comparison, sand reflects 15 percent of sunlight, while grass, water, and soil reflect 10 percent. This is why individuals who spend extended time outdoors in snowy or icy conditions, such as skiers, mountaineers, snowboarders, and ice-fishing enthusiasts are at a higher risk.
How to Prevent Snow Blindness
If you plan on getting out and enjoying the snow this winter, the best way to protect yourself from snow blindness is to wear proper eye protection that blocks UV rays.
Ensure you choose sunglasses that block 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays. Consider polarized lenses, which help reduce glare from reflective surfaces. Wrap-around styles are another excellent choice, as they block UV rays that may enter from the sides.
In addition to wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, you can prevent snow blindness by:
- Wearing a hat or visor with a wide brim to shade your eyes from direct sunlight.
- Avoiding direct exposure to bright, reflective snow for extended periods of time. Take breaks in shaded areas every once in a while.
- Always wearing eye protection, regardless of the weather. UV rays can still be strong enough to cause damage on cloudy days.
What to Do If You Experience Snow Blindness
If you’re experiencing symptoms of snow blindness, take immediate action to prevent further damage. Get out of the sun and place a cold, damp cloth over your closed eyes to reduce pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help you manage discomfort. Rest your eyes as much as possible and drink plenty of water. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can exacerbate the condition.
If symptoms persist longer than 24 hours or worsen over time, consult an eye doctor.
Protect Yourself from Snow Blindness with Sunglasses from Wolcott Optical
At Wolcott Optical, we are proud to offer a wide selection of sunglasses from all your favorite brands. From stylish frames to prescription lenses to polarized coatings, when you shop at Wolcott’s, you get quality sunglasses that not only look great but protect your eyes from damaging UV rays. Come visit us in Millcreek, Utah, to browse our selection of sunglasses and find the perfect pair for you!
