Snow Blindness: Skiers beware!
Here's advice to help both experienced and rookie snow enthusiasts.
The clear cornea not only helps focus a clear visual image on the retina, it is also a vital filter that protects the retina from dangerous ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light is invisible and is highly toxic to the delicate retina. Fortunately, the transparent cornea absorbs UV and so does the crystalline lens. Too much UV, however, can injure the cornea.
The winter ski season is upon us. In addition to a sturdy helmet make sure you wear ski goggles with adequate UV protection. Did you know that at higher altitudes more UV rays penetrate the thinner atmosphere? The beautiful white snow reflects sunlight back towards the skier, effectively doubling the UV exposure. The surface of the exposed cornea becomes sunburned. This is snow blindness, the lay term for photokeratitis. The blurry vision and intense eye pain usually does not begin until hours later -- ruining your apres ski!
It usually takes 48 hours or more for the eyes to heal. Patching and eye lubricants offer temporary relief. Recurrent attacks can lead to permanent corneal scarring.
Don't waste those expensive lift tickets! Skiers and snowboarders need to make sure to wear goggles that offer 100% protection to both UVA and UVB.
Related Links: How to Maintain Good Eyesight, How to Pick Good Sunglasses
The clear cornea not only helps focus a clear visual image on the retina, it is also a vital filter that protects the retina from dangerous ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light is invisible and is highly toxic to the delicate retina. Fortunately, the transparent cornea absorbs UV and so does the crystalline lens. Too much UV, however, can injure the cornea.
The winter ski season is upon us. In addition to a sturdy helmet make sure you wear ski goggles with adequate UV protection. Did you know that at higher altitudes more UV rays penetrate the thinner atmosphere? The beautiful white snow reflects sunlight back towards the skier, effectively doubling the UV exposure. The surface of the exposed cornea becomes sunburned. This is snow blindness, the lay term for photokeratitis. The blurry vision and intense eye pain usually does not begin until hours later -- ruining your apres ski!
It usually takes 48 hours or more for the eyes to heal. Patching and eye lubricants offer temporary relief. Recurrent attacks can lead to permanent corneal scarring.
Don't waste those expensive lift tickets! Skiers and snowboarders need to make sure to wear goggles that offer 100% protection to both UVA and UVB.
Related Links: How to Maintain Good Eyesight, How to Pick Good Sunglasses
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