Sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory; they are a crucial tool in preventing snow blindness (photokeratitis) and other eye injuries. Winter is here and people are planning to ski, snowshoe, snowmobile, and participate in a host of other snow sports – and that means protecting your eyes.
Snow blindness, a painful eye condition caused by overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, can happen in a matter of minutes. It’s not limited to the polar regions and can affect anyone enjoying snow sports.
The sun’s ultraviolet rays can burn the cornea of the eye causing irritation, pain and blurred vision. With the name snow blindness, you would think those most at risk are adventure travelers crossing a remote snowfield or in a high-altitude winter environment without proper eye protection. And you’d be right; fresh snow reflects about 80% of UV radiation.
Where you are on the globe and the time of year and day can set the scene for harmful UV exposure if you are not prepared. High altitudes also make a difference because there is less distance for the light to travel, and the thinner atmosphere filters less UV radiation. According to the World Health Organization, UV levels increase by 10% to 12% with every 1,000 meters increase in altitude. Cloud cover, latitude, and ozone levels are additional factors determining how much UV light reaches your eyes.
Skiers in New England can get away with skiing with just sunglasses in fair conditions on a sunny day. Once the wind kicks up stirring snow and other particles, goggles will be needed to protect your eyes from micro-debris damage as well as harmful UV rays. Goggles provide better protection against UV light, wind and debris.
Just like a skin sunburn, by the time you notice the damage to your eyes, it’s too late. According to The College of Optometrists in London, 6 to 12 hours after exposure the eyes can become red, painful, watery and feel like sand in your eye. Additional snow blindness symptoms include sensitivity to light, blurred vision, red and swollen eyelids, headaches and glare or halos around lights.
Fortunately, most cases of snow blindness are short lived. The symptoms are caused by temporary damage to the cells on the surface of the eye. Symptoms typically resolve in 24 to 72 hours. If there is any vision loss or disturbance, if your symptoms worsen or your symptoms do not resolve within 72 hours, contact your doctor or seek in-person medical care immediately.
To aid recovery, stay indoors, remove contact lenses and avoid rubbing your eyes. A doctor may prescribe eye drops or pain relief medication to make your eyes more comfortable while they heal.
According to a Journal of Postgraduate Medicine study, prevention with the right sunglasses or goggles is critical. Small framed sunglasses and ones that let in peripheral light will increase your risk for snow blindness. It is vital to ensure that the glasses you are wearing have full UV protection, fit your face snugly, and are comfortable.
Wrap-around style frames will give you full coverage and more peripheral protection than traditional frames. Some glacier glasses have removable side-shields while others have fixed side-shields. Some lenses are mirror coated or are polarized, and some lenses are photochromic – and darken upon exposure to light.
Whichever style of sunglasses suits your personality and adventure plans, a good pair of snug-fitting goggles with full UV protection in your bag is a solid Plan B for any conditions. Keep in mind that reflective glare from snow, sand and water can still harm your corneas even when the sky is overcast.
Dave Keaveny is a Global Rescue medical operations specialist and a professional ski patroller.
By Dave Keaveny
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