Protect eyes from snow blindness this winter

Sunburns don’t only happen to unprotected backs and noses. The cornea, the epithelial layer covering the dome of the eye, is just as likely to burn as the rest of the body’s skin when over exposed to UV light. And although the amount of the sun’s UV light that reaches us is highest over the summer months, it is still present the rest of the year, and can cause a sunburn if there’s enough exposure to it.

When the ground is covered in snow, a very reflective material, the UV on a sunny winter’s day, especially on the slopes, can bombard the eye from above and from reflected light from below. The resulting UV burns to the cornea, called ‘photokeratitis’, or sometimes ‘snow blindness’, can range from blurry vision and burning, to itching, stinging or even intense pain, depending on its severity.   

Snow blindness isn’t the only form of photokeratitis – eye burns can also occur following a day on the water or on a white sand beach. These reflective surfaces increase the chance of photokeratitis, just as being outdoors in higher elevations can, as the higher you climb, the less UV light is absorbed by the atmosphere. If you hike, climb or ski in mountainous terrain, you’re at increased risk. 

Minimal treatment is required for photokeratitis, which typically clears up on its own in a day or two. Common treatments also include use of artificial tears, cool compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers.  

But the best way to prevent photokeratitis is to wear prescriptive eyewear, sunglasses or snow goggles that come with a “Blocks 100% UV-A and UV-B” or “UV400” label. Appropriate protection should also be worn when welding or using a tanning bed.