Snow Blindness Is Real: What Winter Photokeratitis Does and How to Prevent It
Reflected UV off snow can give your eyes a painful sunburn, and it's the best argument there is for goggles on the slopes.
Photokeratitis (snow blindness) is a painful UV sunburn of the cornea caused by reflected UV off snow and ice, with symptoms including pain, tearing, and temporary vision loss.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology describes photokeratitis as a temporary but painful condition and stresses UV-blocking eyewear as the primary way to prevent it in bright, reflective environments.
Questions we get a lot
What is snow blindness?
Snow blindness, medically called photokeratitis, is a UV sunburn of the cornea. It happens when UV reflects off snow and ice into the eyes. Symptoms include pain, tearing, and temporary vision loss.
How do I prevent photokeratitis on the slopes?
Wear UV-blocking goggles or wraparound sunglasses whenever you're on snow in bright conditions. Because snow reflects UV, your eyes get hit from below as well as above. Protective eyewear is the most effective prevention.
r/skiing: 'My eyes were burning and watering for a day after a bluebird run without goggles. Was that snow blindness?'