Just as in the snow we protect ourselves with the right clothes and add-ons, so must we do with our eyes.
High mountain sun rays
Sun rays have a component that is very harmful: Ultraviolet radiation (UV).
We must know that in the mountains the protective layer that the atmosphere provides is reduced. Since the natural filter created by atmospheric gases is higher, it is lower. This increases the negative effect of ultraviolet rays on our organism. If we add that the snow reflects up to 80% of solar rays – it must be borne in mind that this reflection is barely 20% on sand or sea water – the harmful effect of exposure to the sun is significantly multiplied.
Proper protection is essential because over-exposure can cause serious, some irreversible, eye damage.
Overlay Effect
A prolonged exposure to high-mountain solar rays has very obvious effects.
Similarly, these are very sensitive organs, diseases such as solar exposure conjunctivitis, keratitis, macular degeneration or the development of conditions such as pterygion or cataracts may occur.
Symptoms
When we begin to notice the emergence of the first symptoms, we must be on the alert and stop the exposure of our eyes to UV rays. These symptoms are: strange body sensation or sand in the eyes, photophobia (sensitive to light), constant tear, red eyes, etc.
Prevention and Protection
The best protection for the eyes is good glasses. To this end, they must meet a number of minimum requirements. The first is that they should be homologated, that they should have the CE seal and that they should always avoid poor quality products that can multiply the negative effects of overcrowding.
Glasses must be as closed as possible to ensure maximum protection. In the case of snow sports – skiing, racquets, snowboarding, etc. – it is imperative that they fit perfectly on their faces. In this way, as well as obtaining more complete protection from the input of solar rays, we prevent snow or other particles from entering, which can cause us little eye injury.
In the end, it is a question of applying common sense, and how we always recommend to the ophthalmologist in the event of suffering from any of the symptoms that have been described for the right treatment as soon as possible.
