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The onset of snow blindness may be immediate or delayed as much as twelve hours, and the condition may last several days. The symptoms are burning or smarting of the eyelids, sometimes a sensation akin to sand in the eyes, spasm in the muscles surrounding the eye, pain in the eyes or forehead, sensitivity to light, and profuse watering of the eye. Sight may be unaffected or definitely increased. The affliction is usually temporary, although for some time afterward there may be pain in the eyeball, "weak eyes," or headache. To prevent snow blindness proper dark glasses must be worn, such as Calobar, Rayban, or Fieuzal. They absorb ultraviolet rays, some infrared, and diminish the intensity of the reflected light so that it ceases to be dazzling. Spare glasses should be carried. Should a skier lose or break his, he may protect his eyes by improvising shields with the use of adhesive tape. A horizontal slit not wider than 1/8 inch is made by stretching strips of adhesive tape across the eyeglass frames or improvised frames. A refinement of a crossed slit helps the skier to look up and down as well. He may help protect his eyes by keeping them nearly closed or not looking at bright surfaces. |
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