Podcast #283: Snow Blindness

Author: John Winkler, M.D.

Educational Pearls

• Photokeratitis is a UV burn of the sclera and cornea, which can cause blindness.
• UV light causes eyelid swelling with diffuse scarring of the eye (widespread, punctate uptake of fluorescein dye). While this can eventually heal, it is incredibly painful.
• Snow reflects light underneath sunglasses, so wrap-around goggles are the best form of prevention.
• This can happen to welders, sunbathers or any other person with prolonged UV light exposure.

References: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/799025-treatment