SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ski-eyes-snow-blindness

What is snow blindness, really?

A sunburn on the cornea, the clear front of the eye.

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  1. Frostbite of the eyeball
  2. Snow dust scratching the eyes
  3. A sunburn on the cornea ✔

Why: Snow blindness (photokeratitis) happens when UV light damages the surface of the cornea. It can cause pain, light sensitivity and blurry vision. Goggles or sunglasses prevent it.

Huh, didn't know that: Pure snow blindness is temporary and should not cause permanent damage to the eye.

The dad joke
Why did the optometrist decide to go into real estate? She wanted to cornea the market.
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References

Answer: A sunburn on the cornea. Snow blindness (photokeratitis) happens when UV light damages the surface of the cornea. It can cause pain, light sensitivity and blurry vision. Goggles or sunglasses prevent it.

  1. CU Anschutz Ophthalmology: Winter Weather Brings Risks of Snow Blindness news.cuanschutz.edu/ophthalmology/snow-blindness-risk
    Snow blindness occurs when UV rays damage the surface of the cornea, essentially giving your eyes a sunburn.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. MedlinePlus: Corneal injury medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001017.htm
    Ultraviolet injuries-- Caused by sunlight, sun lamps, snow or water reflections, or arc-welding
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  3. CU Anschutz: Snow blindness risk news.cuanschutz.edu/ophthalmology/snow-blindness-risk
    If it's purely snow blindness, it should be temporary and not cause permanent damage to your eye.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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