Is it safe to wear regular glasses while skiing?

Cold Snow Blindness: A Major Concern

Cold snow blindness, also known as photokeratitis, is a condition that can occur when the cornea is exposed to UV radiation from the sun or snow. This can happen when snow reflects a significant amount of UV radiation back onto your eyes, even on cloudy days. In extreme cases, snow blindness can cause permanent vision loss.

Safety Precautions for Skiers

To minimize the risk of snow blindness, skiers should wear goggles that provide 100% UV protection. Look for goggles with a wrap-around frame to prevent snow and wind from entering the goggle and causing irritation. Additionally, consider wearing goggles with a tint that blocks out 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays. If you don’t have goggles, consider wearing sunglasses with a UV-blocking lens, but be aware that they may not provide the same level of protection as goggles.

Alternatives to Regular Glasses

If you plan on skiing frequently, consider investing in a pair of goggles designed specifically for snow sports. These goggles are typically more durable and provide better protection than regular glasses. When shopping for goggles, look for models with a comfortable, secure fit and good ventilation to prevent fogging.