Causes And Symptoms Of Snow Blindness

Snow blindness occurs when the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye, gets damaged by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. It’s like getting a sunburn on your eyes! Prolonged exposure to bright sunlight without proper eye protection increases the risk of developing snow blindness.

When you have snow blindness, your eyes can become quite uncomfortable. You may experience watery eyes, as if you’re crying, even though you’re not sad at all! Another symptom is a gritty sensation in your eyes, as if there’s sand stuck in them. And here’s the scary part: you might temporarily lose some or all of your vision!

Imagine trying to navigate through a snowy landscape with blurry vision – it would be like trying to walk blindfolded! That’s why it’s essential to protect your eyes when spending time in snowy environments.

Treatment Options For Snow Blindness

1. Protective Eyewear

The best treatment for snow blindness is prevention through wearing protective eyewear that blocks UV rays. By shielding your eyes from harmful ultraviolet radiation, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing snow blindness. Sunglasses or goggles specifically designed for outdoor activities in snowy environments are highly recommended.

2. Resting In A Dark Room

When already affected by snow blindness, resting in a dark room can aid in recovery. This helps to minimize further strain on the eyes and allows them to rest and heal naturally. Applying cold compresses on closed eyes can also provide relief by reducing inflammation and soothing any pain or discomfort.

3. Over-The-Counter Eye Drops

Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can be used to alleviate dryness and discomfort associated with snow blindness. These drops help moisturize the eyes and provide temporary relief from symptoms such as itching, redness, and irritation.

It’s important to note that while these treatment options can help manage the symptoms of snow blindness, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to consult an eye care professional for further evaluation and guidance.

Preventing Snow Blindness: Tips And Techniques

To prevent snow blindness, it’s crucial to take the necessary precautions. Here are some tips and techniques to keep in mind:

1. Wearing Sunglasses Or Goggles With 100% UV Protection

Protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays is essential in preventing snow blindness. Make sure to wear sunglasses or goggles that provide 100% UV protection. This will shield your eyes from the intense sunlight reflected off the snow.

2. Choosing Wraparound Styles Or Side Shields

Opt for sunglasses or goggles with wraparound styles or side shields. These designs help block out peripheral sunlight, reducing the risk of snow blindness. By providing additional coverage, they minimize the chances of UV rays reaching your eyes from different angles.

3. Applying Sunscreen Around The Eyes

In addition to wearing protective eyewear, applying sunscreen around the eyes can further reduce UV exposure. The delicate skin around the eyes is susceptible to sunburn and damage. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen specifically designed for sensitive areas like this.

Remember, prevention is key. By following these tips and techniques, you can protect your eyes and enjoy outdoor activities in snowy conditions without any discomfort or risks associated with snow blindness.

By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of long-term damage caused by snow blindness and maintain optimal eye health throughout your life. While most snow blindness cases resolve on their own, severe and untreated instances of snow blindness can lead to long-term damage to your eyes. If you think your eyes have been affected by snow blindness, book an appointment at Dr D’Orio Eyecare, by visiting https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/ or calling us at 416-656-2020 for our Toronto location, or 416-661-5555 for our North York location.

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In fact, it is important to continue protecting your eyes from the sun in the winter months, as not only can your skin become sunburnt… so can your eyes! Surprisingly, you are just as likely—if not more likely—to experience sunburnt eyes in winter as you are in the sunny, hot summer months. You can’t use sunscreen on your eyes, however, so how can you protect them from the sun? Learn more about how to identify and prevent sunburnt eyes in today’s blog.

What is Eye Sunburn?

Sunburnt eyes occur when there is sun damage to the front surfaces of the eye, including the cornea, due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The medical term for this condition is Photokeratitis, but it is often known as “snow blindness.”  While the eyes are exposed to limited amounts of UV radiation regularly, photokeratitis is more likely to affect individuals whose eyes are exposed to high levels of radiation.

Why Do Eyes get Sunburnt in the Winter?

People tend to think that sunburn is a condition that only occurs in the summer, and that they are protected from sunburn during the cold, winter months. However, this is not the case. Exposure to UV rays can occur not only directly from the sun’s rays, but can also be reflected of certain surfaces… including snow.

Snow is a powerful mirror for sunlight, and in fact magnifies the effects of UV rays that would otherwise be absorbed by the ground. Therefore, eyes are not only exposed to the UV rays from the sun, but also those reflected back in the snow, making UV exposure twofold. Sunburnt eyes are most likely to occur during outdoor recreational activities such as skiing, when large amounts of snow are present, but can also occur during mundane activities such as driving or walking outdoors.

How to Prevent Sunburnt Eyes

In order to prevent sunburnt eyes, it is important to protect the eyes as well as the skin around the eyes from UV radiation year-round. Continue to wear sunglasses in the winter, especially when there is snow on the ground. Choose sunglasses that are labelled as UV protective, and that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Wearing a hat or side-shields on your sunglasses can help to prevent sunlight from reaching your eyes through the sides or other gaps in your sunglasses’ protection.

It is especially important to wear sun protection while engaging in winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding. Many brands of ski goggles come with UV protection, similar to sunglasses, and these should be worn when undertaking sporting activities in the snow—even on cloudy days.

Symptoms & Treatment of Sunburnt Eyes

Often, symptoms of sunburnt eyes will occur several hours after UV radiation exposure, and present similar to symptoms of sunburnt skin. Mild to severe eye pain including burning or stinging, blurred vision, light sensitivity, excess tearing, or eye redness may all be present in sunburnt eyes.

If you believe that you might have sunburnt eyes, it is important to visit your optometrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.  Depending on the severity of the burn, treatment could include eye drops, anti-inflammatory medications, or artificial tears for lubrication. You should also stay out of the sun for a few days as you allow your symptoms to die down, and consistent use of sunglasses can reduce symptoms of light sensitivity.

Usually, symptoms of sunburnt eyes will resolve themselves without causing long-term changes or effects on the eye.  However, prolonged or significant exposure to UV rays can have harmful and lasting effects on the ocular structure, so it is important to protect your eyes and your vision! Not only are your eyes at risk of sunburn in winter, but reflected UV Rays can also cause sunburnt skin. Be sure you are staying safe and protecting yourself from the sun this winter, so you can get the most out of the season!

The optometry team at Dr D’Orio Eyecare can assist you with your vision needs. To book an appointment visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment or call us at 416 656 2020 for our Toronto location, or 416 661 5555 for North York.

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