Snow blindness prevention

• A. UV-blocking sunglasses
• B. Sunscreen on eyelids only
• C. Avoid outdoor activity
• D. Eye masks

Answer: (A)

Snow blindness happens when ultraviolet light reflects off bright snow and water, damaging the cornea. The best way to prevent it is to shield your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses. Sunglasses that block 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays, ideally UV400, reduce both glare and harmful radiation, and wraps or side shields help keep stray light from entering from the edges. In snowy or windy conditions on the water, this protection is essential even on grey days because glare and UV exposure can be strong at altitude and reflect off the snow.

Sunscreen on eyelids only won’t protect the eyes themselves from UV rays, and can irritate the eyes. Avoiding outdoor activity isn’t practical for kayaking. Eye masks generally don’t provide reliable UV protection and can impair vision. The focus is on blocking ultraviolet light from reaching the eyes, which sunglasses do effectively.