Do I Have Snow Blindness?

Did you spend some time on a snow recently?

Do you have pain and burning in your eyes?

Do you have a feeling that something is in your eye and you can’t remove it?

Do you have increased sensitivity to bright light?

Do you have swollen, red eyelids?

Do you have watery eyes?

Do you have a headache?

Do you have blurred vision?

Do you see halos around indoor lights?

Do you have small pupils?

Do you have eyelid twitching?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a snow blindness. A snow blindness is a painful eye condition that is also known as photokeratitis. It is caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Snow is a surface with reflective properties, so it sends too much UV light into your eye. UV light hits the outer transparent layer of the eye (cornea), practically causing a sunburn on the cornea. Water and white sand also have reflective properties and can cause photokeratitis. Photokeratitis is more common at higher altitudes. You will recover quickly if you step away from the snow and rest your eyes.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a snow blindness. A snow blindness or photokeratitis is a condition characterized by damage to the eye by ultraviolet sunlight. It refers to inflammation of the cornea, the clear part at the front of your eye. Snow blindness is a common form of photokeratitis caused by the reflection of UV light from snow and ice. Photokeratitis is more common in the areas of the North and South Poles and at high altitudes where the air is thinner and provides less protection from UV rays. A diagnosis is based on your recent activities and an eye examination.

Based on your answers there s a high possibility that you have a snow blindness. A snow blindness is a form of photokeratitis that is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light reflected from snow or ice. It is a painful condition that often occurs in high mountains when it is very cold and the air is extremely dry. Eye damage is usually not noticed until the first symptoms appear. Treatment involves staying indoors. Do not rub your eyes and remove contact lenses if you wear them. Cold compresses over the eyes and OTC painkillers can help. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe eye drops.