![]() The term “snow blindness” is used to describe eye sunburn because it often affects people who go hiking in the mountains as snow reflects up to 88 percent of UV rays, which make them all the more powerful. Then again, if you experience it repeatedly, it can even lead to cancer, macular degeneration or chronically dry eyes. ![]() Blinking is uncomfortable, and sometimes very painful. Sufferers often complain of the feeling of having a foreign body in their eye, as if sand has got into it. For more information on photokeratitis or snow blindness, please contact Optical Solutions today.In serious cases of eye sunburn, the outer corneal layer is destroyed, which exposes the nerve endings beneath it. Always wear snow goggles or sports goggles with UV protection when participating in outdoor sports. These rays can penetrate clouds, so even when the weather is gloomy eyewear is important. Anytime you are outside, you should protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that block UV-A and UV-B rays. If symptoms persist, please contact your eye doctor immediately. If you wear contacts, remove them until your eyes are healed as they may worsen your symptoms.Avoid rubbing your eyes or irritating them.Take pain relievers to alleviate pain and discomfort.Use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist, even if your eyes are watery.Placing a cold washcloth over your eyes can help reduce swelling and irritation.Photokeratitis and snow blindness typically go away on their own after a few days, so treatment is generally focused on providing comfort as your eyes recover. The longer your eyes are exposed to UV rays, the more severe your symptoms may be. Gritty feeling in eyes as if something is in them.Like a sunburn, by the time you notice your symptoms, it is already too late for preventative measures. Activities such as snowboarding, skiing, snowmobiling, or hiking are commonly associated with this condition. At higher altitudes the air is thinner, making the strength of the sun’s rays even stronger and eye protection an even more important part of your winter sports gear. Snow blindness is a form of photokeratitis, where the sun’s rays are reflected off ice or snow. Activities such as water sports can put you at risk in addition to man-made sources such as arc welding, tanning lamps, or tanning beds. Winter isn’t the only time to worry about photokeratitis, as it can occur from UV rays reflecting off sand and water, too. It is caused by damage from ultraviolet or UV rays that can be caused by the sun or man-made sources. Essentially it is a sunburned eye or cornea. ![]() Photokeratitis refers to an inflammation of the cornea due to over-exposure of light. Fresh snow and ice can reflect nearly 80% of the UV radiation from the sun. ![]() One of the most overlooked precautions during winter is eye care. Just as you protect your skin, your eyes need protection too, especially during the winter to prevent snow blindness, a form of photokeratitis. We take many precautions during the summer to protect our skin from being burnt, but have you ever thought about protecting your eyes? Many are surprised to learn that your eyes can also get sunburnt. ![]()
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