Snow Blindness: Symptoms, causes, and treatment
Asif Bhatti, a climber from Pakistan, found himself stranded on Nanga Parbat, due to snow blindness. The 8,126-meter-tall Nanga Parbat is the ninth-highest mountain in the world, and also the fifth-most dangerous, with a 21% probability of death for climbers. While Bhatti is being rescued, let us understand what snow blindness is, and what are its symptoms and causes.
What is snow blindness?
Snow blindness, also known as arc eye or photokeratitis, is a painful eye condition caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. When the cornea, the transparent outer layer of the eye, is subjected to an intense amount of UV radiation, it can result in a "sunburn" on the cornea. Snow blindness is easily treatable, and with some rest, the eyes typically heal fast.
Symptoms
Snow blindness symptoms can be disorienting. When your eyes suffer from sunburn-like damage, you may experience various effects, including eye pain, excessive tearing, swelling of the eyes, headaches, seeing halos around bright lights, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. Additionally, you may notice redness in your eyeballs and eyelids, eyelid twitching, sensitivity to bright light, and in rare cases, temporary vision loss.
Causes
Snow blindness can happen in various situations that involve exposure to bright sunlight or UV rays, regardless of the presence of snow. It can occur when on snow-covered ground, hiking in high-altitude mountains, enjoying beaches with white sand, or encountering sunlight reflecting off water surfaces. It can also affect eyes when working with welding equipment or being in areas with light-colored concrete or pavement.
Treatment
First, if you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately and avoid reinserting them until the symptoms subside. Seeking shelter indoors can minimize exposure to sunlight and reduce the risk of additional UV damage. Applying a cold compress to closed eyes for about 20 minutes can alleviate pain and swelling. Lubricating eye drops and over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage any pain or discomfort.
Prevention
Water or snow sports enthusiasts should opt for quality sunglasses featuring wraparound style and photochromic lenses. Wear a wide-brimmed hat or visor when you are outside for long hours. Even on cloudy days, glare from sand, water, or snow can hurt your eyes. To safeguard your eyes, ensure your sunglasses offer 100% UV ray protection. Seek shaded areas to minimize direct exposure to sunlight.
