You step out into the bright winter sun, fresh powder tempting you from the ski lifts in the distance. But before you can take your first run, you have to make sure your eyes are protected from the harsh UV rays. Skiing in the snow can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to take precautions against snow blindness.

Understanding Snow Blindness

Snow blindness is a condition that occurs when the eyes are exposed to too much UV radiation. This can happen when skiing, as the sun reflecting off the snow can be very strong. Snow blindness is similar to a sunburn of the eye, and can cause pain, inflammation, tears, and even temporary blindness.
That’s why it’s so important to take precautions against snow blindness when skiing. Here are five tips for staying safe on the slopes:

Protect Your Eyes With Quality Ski Goggles

When you’re skiing, it’s important to protect your eyes from the sun. That’s where ski goggles come in. Not only do they provide UV protection, but they also help keep your eyes from drying out in cold, windy conditions.
But not all ski goggles are created equal. Make sure to choose a quality pair that fits well and has good optics. The lenses should block 99% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
In addition, the ski goggles should fit snugly on your face to keep the wind from blowing them off. And make sure the straps are tight enough so that they don’t fall down over your eyes.

Wear Polarized Sunglasses Out of the Slopes

Sunglasses are recommended for skiing and snowboarding—especially if you’re wearing contacts. Make sure you’re wearing polarized sunglasses when you’re outside on the slopes.
Polarized sunglasses are important because they reduce glare. This is especially important when you’re skiing or snowboarding, as the sun’s glare can be a major cause of snow blindness. In fact, up to 90 percent of all snow blindness cases are caused by glare.
So make sure you have a good pair of polarized sunglasses with you whenever you hit the slopes.

Side and Top Shields

Your regular sunglasses aren’t the best you can do for complete protection. They leave your eyes vulnerable at the top of the glasses and on the sides. Those gaps could allow allergens, wind, cold, and debris to enter your eye area.
Side and top shields protect your eyes (and your skin) so you can continue with your activities without fear of risking your vision.

Choose the Right Goggle Tints for Skiing

When skiing, choosing the right goggle tint is key to protecting your eyes from snow blindness. There is a range of tints available, and selecting the right one for the level of sunlight can be tricky.
For example, if you’re skiing in overcast conditions, you can choose a lighter tint such as a clear lens which will help improve contrast. On the other hand, if you’re skiing on a sunny day and need more protection from UV rays, look for goggles with darker tints like gray. You may also want to consider mirrored lenses which can reduce glare on the slopes.

Invest in High-Quality Ski Goggles From Swans

If you’re a serious skier, investing in high-quality ski goggles from Swans is one of the best ways to protect your eyes from the snow. Swans has a range of ski goggles that are designed to reduce glare, improve visibility and provide maximum protection against UV rays with Polarized lenses.

These lenses are designed to reduce distracting reflections and distortions caused by light entering your eyes, so you can enjoy the sharper vision and clearer views while skiing or snowboarding. And the best part is that SWANS ski goggles come in a range of stylish colors and shapes, so you don’t have to worry about looking like an unsightly goggle monster on the slopes! With these eyewear solutions, you get maximum protection for your eyes without compromising on style.

Skiing in the sun can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to take some precautions to avoid snow blindness. 

Read More:

The Importance of Eye Protection in Extreme Winter Sports