Snow blindness is caused by
Hem / Hälsa & Välmående / Snow blindness is caused by
Be cautious of snow blindness, also known as photokeratitis. For welders specifically, having a full face shield with adjustable shade levels is necessary for adequate protection. And like sunburned skin, by the time you notice symptoms of snow blindness, you've already been in the sun too long.
You Don't Need Snow To Become Snowblind
Though photokeratitis is commonly called snow blindness, the condition can (and often does) occur in the absence of snow.
The terms "snowblind" and "snow blindness" have become popular because snow is highly reflective of ultraviolet radiation.
Increase of biologically effective ultraviolet radiation with altitude. Journal of Wilderness Medicine, 4(2), 189-197.
- Contact lens overwear - would expect contact lens history
- Dry eye - would see decreased tear lake, decreased tear breakup time, lack of UV exposure history
- Topical drug toxicity - consider sensitivity or toxicity to drops like brimonidine, neomycin, tobramycin, any topical medications with preservatives
- Chemical exposure - cleaning sprays, oven cleaners, other chemicals can cause similar symptoms and findings to photokeratitis
- Upper eyelid foreign body - usually unilateral, with vertical linear abrasions classically
General Treatment
Treatment of photokeratitis is supportive, and similar to that of treatment of a corneal abrasion.
It is important to follow the recommended dosage and duration of use to avoid any potential side effects.
Cycloplegic drops may also be used in the treatment of snow blindness to relieve pain. Shield your eyes by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses or goggles and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Prompt treatment can help alleviate blurriness and prevent further corneal damage.
Redness
When exposed to excessive UV light without proper eye protection, the cornea can become damaged, leading to symptoms such as blurriness and redness, which are commonly associated with snow blindness.
Excessive UV light exposure without protection can cause sunburn-like damage to your eyes, resulting in pain, redness, and discomfort. These areas of staining represent the corneal epithelium that has been damaged and sloughed off. It is important to seek immediate relief by wearing sunglasses or goggles with UV protection and avoiding further exposure to bright light.
The eye care professional will assess the patient's history of UV exposure and conduct a thorough examination of the eyes.
Using a slit lamp microscope, they can detect damage to the corneal epithelium and confirm the diagnosis. When sunlight hits a snowy surface, it bounces back, intensifying the amount of UV radiation that reaches the eyes.
Be aware that ultraviolet radiation penetrates clouds, so there is a risk of sunburned eyes even on cloudy or overcast days.
For skiing, snowboarding, water sports, or anytime you plan to be outdoors for extended periods of time, invest in quality sunglasses that also feature a wrap-style frame to protect your eyes from indirect as well as direct sunlight.
For maximum protection, look for sunglasses, snow goggles or sports goggles that have side shields or a soft rubber flange that completely block(s) sunlight from striking the front of your eyes from the sides, above and below.
If you are unsure whether your current sunglasses block 100 percent of the sun's UV rays, ask your eye care practitioner to check them for you.
READ MORE about other kinds of keratitis and their causes
Disease Entity
All content on Eyewiki is protected by copyright law and the Terms of Service.
However, it should be noted that patching has not been proven to speed up the healing process.
Prevention of Snow Blindness
Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses or goggles when outdoors. Numerous animal studies have shown that the the corneal epithelium absorbs almost 100% of UV light below 290 nm (UV-C range).
Epiphora (tearing), eyelid chemosis, and superficial facial burns may be apparent as well.
Photokeratitis, or Ultraviolet Keratitis, is a painful eye condition which can develop after unprotected exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) rays. Corneal damage in photokeratitis--why is it so painful?. Optometry and vision science: official publication of the American Academy of Optometry, 67(6), 407-413.
E. (2016). Snow blindness can also impact daily activities, making it difficult to perform tasks that require clear vision, such as reading or driving.
Furthermore, prolonged exposure to UV rays can contribute to the development of cataracts, which cause clouding of the lens in the eye and can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
Color vision also may be affected temporarily while you are snowblind.
How Do You Treat Snow Blindness?
The symptoms of snow blindness typically resolve on their own within a day or two without medical treatment.
If you wear contact lenses, you should remove them immediately and refrain from wearing them again until your eyes return to normal.
To relieve pain or discomfort from snow blindness, stay indoors and wear sunglasses.
It is recommended that if the patient is a contact lens wearer, that they stay out of contact lenses until the cornea is healed. At higher altitudes, the atmosphere is thinner and there is less scattering of the UV rays. Make sure they block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, seeking shade and avoiding tanning beds or other artificial sources of UV rays can help minimize the risks associated with snow blindness.
Treatment of Snow Blindness
To effectively treat snow blindness, you should focus on relieving symptoms and promoting healing.