What is snow blindness?

Snow blindness is a term used in the discussion of corneal burns due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays B (UVB). Scientific names for corneal burns are photoceratitis and ultraviolet keratitis. The term snow blindness is based on the fact that corneal burns are often caused by UVB rays of reflecting snow. These symptoms usually appear first six to 12 hours after the initial exposure to UV rays. Treatment usually includes eye drops of antibiotics, rest and maintaining eyes completely protected from further damage, usually by staying inside or eye spots. After exposure to ultraviolet rays, it is cut off, the cornea begins to be treated in one day and almost complete recovery can be expected within 48 hours. For every 1,000 feet (304 meters) an increase in altitude, the sun's rays become 4 percent stronger. Many ski resorts are at least 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) above sea level, so minimal paUVB spits are 20 percent stronger than those on the sea level. For this reason, skiers and tourists are more likely to damage their eyes if the proper glasses are not used.

Snow blindness is even more risk in some Arctic and Antarctic climate, where the Sun in the year of the year shines 24 hours a day. Inflammation and burning of the cornea can be caused by UVB rays reflecting water or sand, but this is less common. The arc welders sometimes also face corneal burns, usually that the protective glasses are not sitting. In these cases, this is usually called an arc eye.

The best way to prevent blindness of snow is to protect your eyes from exposure. I take thos outside at a height, snow or rely on sunglasses and glasses that block UVB rays. Protection against blindness of snow dates back to the invention of modern protective glasses. Inuits and other tribal nations that lived in VysoThe altitudes and snow -covered regions often created their own protection from the sun using ivory, bones or wood. Their glasses covered their eyes completely except for small slots or holes. While this seriously reduced the field of view for the wearers, they also filtered most of the harmful sun rays.

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