Quick Answer
To avoid snow blindness while hiking in bright conditions, wear protective eyewear with UV-blocking lenses, and stay at least 20 feet away from reflective snow surfaces. This simple precaution can save your vision. Consider using specialized snow goggles with a wrap-around frame for added protection.
Choosing the Right Eyewear
When selecting goggles or sunglasses for snow blindness prevention, look for lenses that block 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays. This level of protection will safeguard your eyes from intense snow glare. Some popular options include goggles with amber or yellow-tinted lenses, which can help reduce glare without sacrificing color perception.
Techniques for Minimizing Snow Blindness
In addition to wearing protective eyewear, there are several techniques you can employ to minimize the risk of snow blindness. Stay in the shade as much as possible, using trees or rocks to block the sun’s direct rays. When traversing open areas, walk at an angle to reduce the amount of direct sunlight hitting your eyes. Finally, avoid gazing directly at the snow or any other reflective surface for extended periods, as this can cause eye damage even with protective eyewear.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.