Snow blindness

Snow blindness is referred to in medicine as actinic keratopathy or Photokeratitis. Cause damage to the outer cornea of ​​the eye due to strong UV radiation. Especially the high-energy and short-wave UV -B radiation is very dangerous.

To protect the eye of the inner surface of the cornea is able to absorb a large part of the harmful radiation. If excessive radiation results - similar to normal skin - sunburn- like burns to the cornea and conjunctiva, which can be destroyed and replaced the outermost layer in severe cases. In these cases, exposed nerve endings, causing severe pain, extreme sensitivity to light, tearing, red eyes and foreign body sensation in the eye.

An actinic keratopathy, not only on snow (reflection of UV radiation) or at high altitudes ( where the natural absorption is reduced by the Earth's atmosphere ) occur, but also by artificial UV radiation (welding arc UV lamps ) caused be.

In milder cases, the actinic keratopathy heals without permanent damage in two to three days, in severe cases, and especially without medical treatment may remain irreparable eye damage due to scarring of the cornea and damage to the retina.

As immediate measures are recommended darkening and cooling of the eyes with a damp cloth. A medical treatment is essential.