Essential Tips for Snow-Blindness Prevention and Treatment

Outdoor sports and activities are an exhilarating part of winter, especially with fresh, pristine snow all around. But without proper precautions, the snowy landscape can take a toll on your eyes and lead to snow blindness. Snow blindness is a painful eye condition caused by overexposure to UV rays from the sun reflecting off the snow and ice. In this blog, we will discuss essential tips for snow-blindness prevention and treatment to help you enjoy your winter activities without any issues.

Always protect your eyes

Just like choosing your boots is crucial to protecting your feet on hikes, choosing protective glasses or goggles that filter out UV rays is crucial to protect your eyes. This is especially important while performing outdoor activities in the snow on sunny days. The glasses should come with a UV400 rating, indicating that they can block out UV rays with wavelengths of up to 400 nanometers. Also, opt for polarized lenses, as they will reduce glare, enhancing your vision. You can also try photochromic lenses, which will adjust the light intensity based on how sunny it is outside.

Cover your face

Protecting your eyes alone won't help if you don't protect the skin around your eyes. Exposing the skin around your eyes to the sun can lead to sunburn, making it more susceptible to eye damage. So, wear a good quality ski mask while traveling downhill or across long expanses of snow. The mask will not only help shield your face from the sun but also from the wind and cold too.

Take breaks in shaded areas

Although it may sound counterintuitive in winter, try taking breaks in the shaded areas whenever possible. Resting in the shade allows your eyes to recover from the glare of the sun on snow, making them less prone to snow blindness. You can even carry a portable shade or umbrella to create your shaded area, especially if you are in the backcountry, where there are no trees around to provide natural shade.

Use artificial tears

The snow and cold air can dry your eyes and cause discomfort. You can use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops or artificial tears to keep them moist, easing the discomfort. 

Treat it promptly

If you happen to experience early symptoms of snow blindness, like eye pain, blurred vision, or watery eyes, take a break and seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Treating snow blindness requires rest, limiting exposure to bright light, and other appropriate remedies from a professional.

Prevention is key, and the tips we've shared can help you minimize the risk of snow blindness, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor activities to the fullest. Always remember to wear protective eyewear, employ facial coverings, rest in shaded areas, use artificial tears, and seek prompt medical attention if necessary. Stay safe and have fun out there!

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