Winter Sports

Remarkably, the most common skiing injury is not to legs or arms – but to eyes!

It’s not flailing ski sticks that pose the threat either, but high levels of ultra-violet (UV) light that can enter and burn your eyes, even on cloudy days. UV levels are highest when the atmosphere is very clear – such as on the ski slopes and the problem is made worse by snow which reflects light.

Thankfully this type of eye damage – which is like sunburn of the eyes – is usually only temporary, but it can cause serious discomfort. In severe cases it can cause snow-blindness. So, to protect your eyes and ensure you can see clearly while skiing it's essential to use the right type of goggles or sunglasses.

Long-term, UV rays can damage your eyes permanently and lead to cataracts and other eye conditions. So look for sunglasses or goggles that protect your eyes from UV light, so seek out goggles and sunglasses that block at least 95 per cent of these rays. There are several precautions you can take to minimise the risk tpo your eyes:

  • Remember that most summer sunglasses are unlikely to be suitable for skiing. Sunglasses for winter sports are generally made from more pliant materials that withstand the cold and resist breaking or shattering on impact.
  • Choose the right lenses. Polycarbonate lenses cost slightly more but are highly resistant to shattering and filter out a large proportion of UV light without additional coatings.
  • Select the right lens tint. Go for those that are yellow-orange or rose in hue. These colours will enhance contrast and will improve your vision, while also cutting out glare from the sun. Polarised lenses also filter out glare and reflected light.
  • If you need eyesight correction, you may find that it is not always practical or desirable to wear goggles over your normal glasses so consider sunglasses with prescription lenses. Optical Revolution offers tints with 100% UV protection as well as photochromic and polarised lenses. However, some of the larger, wrap-around lens shapes in sunglasses may not be available with vision correction. In these cases, consider wearing contact lenses for eyesight correction so you can choose the goggles or sunglasses you prefer or ask us about prescription goggles.
  • A scratch-resistant coating will help your goggles and sunglasses to last longer. Always keep them in a soft pouch or lined case when you're not using them.
  • Shop before you ski. If you leave it until you are at the resort to get your protective eyewear you will almost certainly end up paying more with less choice.

Finally, if you do suffer from snow blindness while skiing your eyes will probably be red, itchy and sensitive to light. Staying indoors and resting the eyes can help speed recovery, but if the symptoms persist you should see an eyecare professional as soon as possible.

Information provided by the EyeCare Trust: http://www.eye-care.org.uk