Article Highlights

 

  • Quality sunglasses or goggles with 100% UV protection are essential to prevent snow blindness.
  • Snow blindness can occur in snowy, sandy, and high-altitude environments where UV rays reflect off surfaces.
  • Recovery involves resting indoors, using artificial tears, and applying cool compresses.
  • Snow blindness symptoms typically appear hours after UV exposure and may last up to 72 hours.
  • Services like Global Rescue offer essential medical evacuation and advisory support for travelers facing high-risk conditions.

 

Winter and adventure travel enthusiasts often face unique challenges, and one of the most underrated risks is snow blindness, also known as photokeratitis. This painful, temporary vision impairment is caused by excessive exposure to UV rays that damage the eye’s cornea, leading to irritation, pain, and even short-term vision loss. As winter sports, high-altitude climbing, and outdoor activities gain popularity, knowing how to prevent and recover from snow blindness is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.

 

What Causes Snow Blindness?

Snow blindness occurs when the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays hit your eyes directly or are reflected off surfaces like snow, water, or white sand, which act as mirrors, amplifying the amount of UV exposure. Fresh snow, for example, reflects nearly 80% of UV radiation, significantly increasing the risk of eye damage. While many assume this condition is exclusive to cold, snowy environments, UV exposure from reflective surfaces is common in sunny beaches and high altitudes, where the thinner atmosphere filters less UV radiation.

“Sun’s ultraviolet rays can burn the cornea of the eye, causing irritation, pain, and blurred vision,” said Jeff Weinstein, medical operations manager at Global Rescue. Prolonged exposure without proper eye protection can lead to painful consequences, whether on the water or in the snow.

 

High-Risk Locations and Activities

Snow blindness and photokeratitis are more common in certain places and during specific activities:

  • High-altitude regions like the Himalayas and the Rockies, where UV intensity increases by 10-12% for every 3,280 feet/1,000 meters of altitude.
  • Snow sports (skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling) and high-altitude climbing.
  • Water activities on sunny beaches or open seas, where water reflects UV light.
  • Deserts and white sandy beaches, as sand can also reflect UV rays and cause photo keratitis.

 

Symptoms of Snow Blindness

Snow blindness symptoms can be intense and uncomfortable. They usually appear 6 to 12 hours after UV exposure and include:

  • Red, watery eyes and blurred vision
  • Eye pain and sensitivity to light
  • Swollen eyelids and headaches
  • Burning sensation and gritty feeling, similar to having sand in the eyes
  • Glare and halos around lights

 

According to the College of Optometrists in London, these symptoms generally resolve within 24 to 72 hours. However, if they persist, seeking medical attention is crucial.

 

Prevention Tips for Snow Blindness

Prevention is the best approach when it comes to snow blindness. Here are some safety tips for avoiding UV damage to your eyes:

  • Invest in quality eyewear: Wear sunglasses or snow goggles with 100% UV protection and side shields to block peripheral light. Polarized, mirror-coated lenses are ideal for snowy environments.
  • Choose wraparound glasses: Wraparound sunglasses or goggles prevent light from entering around the edges, offering comprehensive protection.
  • Use photochromic lenses: Lenses that darken upon exposure to UV light can adapt to changing light conditions, enhancing comfort and protection.
  • Wear sunglasses in overcast weather. Clouds don’t completely block UV rays; glare from snow, sand, or water can still cause damage on cloudy days.
  • Limit exposure during peak hours: UV radiation is highest between 10 AM and 4 PM, so plan activities outside these hours if possible.

 

“Alaska’s indigenous people understood these risks and made snow goggles out of bone or wood to prevent glare and eye injuries,” said Weinstein. Modern sports sunglasses and glacier goggles today serve the same purpose for winter adventurers.

 

Recovery and Treatment for Snow Blindness

If you experience snow blindness, there are steps you can take to manage symptoms and aid recovery:

  • Stay indoors and limit further UV exposure to give your eyes time to heal.
  • Moisten your eyes with artificial tears or eye drops, which help soothe irritation.
  • Use cool compresses: Apply a cold, damp washcloth over closed eyes to alleviate pain and swelling.
  • Avoid contact lenses until your eyes are fully healed, as lenses can further irritate damaged corneas.
  • Take pain relief medication as needed, under a doctor’s guidance, to reduce discomfort.

 

“If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve within a few days, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider immediately,” said Weinstein.

 

Global Rescue in Action: Real-Life Cases of Snow Blindness

Snow blindness is a preventable yet painful condition affecting anyone exposed to excessive UV rays in reflective environments. Winter adventurers can ensure their trips are safe and enjoyable by taking the proper precautions, investing in quality eye protection, and understanding recovery methods.

For adventure travelers, snow blindness can pose serious risks.

  • A Singapore climber was in Nepal attempting a Mera Peak summit when he began suffering from body weakness, severe headache, and difficulty breathing, along with snow blindness. Global Rescue coordinated a helicopter evacuation, and the traveler was safely transported to a hospital where he was diagnosed with temporary snow blindness and altitude-related health issues.
  • A Norwegian member successfully summited Mount Everest but soon developed a cough, snow blindness, and frostbite. Experiencing eye pain and temporary vision loss, he was evacuated by Global Rescue to a hospital, treated for snow blindness, and advised to follow up with an ophthalmologist for a full recovery.
  • During a descent from Mount Everest Base Camp 2, a Hungarian climber developed snow blindness and could not proceed. With the help of a Sherpa, Global Rescue arranged a helicopter evacuation to a medical facility where he received the necessary care and recovered.

 

Global Rescue, the recognized world leader in the mountaineering and trekking community, offers the High-Altitude Evacuation Package, providing services to members 16 years of age and older who travel above 15,000 feet (4,600 meters) during any part of their trip (excluding airplane travel) and who require emergency transport due to injury or illness.

Whether climbing a mountain, skiing, or spending a day on the beach, protecting your eyes from UV damage is crucial in safeguarding your health.