Snow Blindness and its Dangerous Effects

What is Snow Blindness?

Also known as "photokeratitis", snow blindness is the inflammation of the cornea from light exposure. This can cause a temporary condition of painful blurred vision. 

"On a cellular level, the intense ultraviolet light causes a disruption of junctions in the corneal epithelium, [which is the cornea's other layer], causing small areas to slough off, exposing the sensitive nerve tissue underneath. This roughens the normally smooth cornea, which causes incoming light to scatter, resulting in blurred vision" - Ophthalmologist Dr. Ming Wang

How Does Somebody Get Snow Blindness?

The snow can reflect more than 80% of the sun's UV rays! Clouds have no effect on filtering these UV rays. When the sun reflects off of the snow and hits your eyes for too long, you essentially get sun burned eyes. Ow! And it does hurt. 

Additional symptoms might include burning eyes, the gritty sensation of having something stuck on the eye area, blurred vision, headaches and light sensitivity. 

People say their eyes won't stop watering as if they're constantly crying. This is your eyes trying to heal the burn. 

How To Avoid Snow Blindness

If you do start to feel these sensations and are worried your corneas are inflamed, first and foremost cover your eyes from any sunlight. Medical experts recommend simple over-the-counter pain medication for relief. The pain is temporary and will subside. Keeping your eyes moist with artificial tears will also help the healing process. 

It's better to avoid this whole scenario! Keep your eyes covered all the way with a good pair of goggles when going out in the snow. Some goggles have interchangeable lenses so you can stay safe and still see well whether it's sunny or cloudy. Different lens colors have different uses. 

For example, a rose tint is often great in cloudy and low light while a yellow tint makes it easier to see when it's sunny. 

Precision Boats stocks top of the line sunglasses and goggles that will keep you protected from the dangers of UV rays from the sun. Whether you're snowmobiling, snow shoeing, skiing, boarding, or just going out for a walk, if you have any questions on which ones will work the best for you, give us a call. (208) 529-0520