Snowblindness

Snowblindness, also known as ultraviolet keratitis, is a temporary but painful condition caused by overexposure of the eyes to the ultraviolet (UV) rays reflected off snow, ice, or water. The condition is essentially a sunburn of the cornea and conjunctiva, leading to inflammation. Symptoms typically appear several hours after exposure and can include a gritty sensation, pain, blurred vision, excessive tearing, light sensitivity (photophobia), and even temporary loss of vision in severe cases. Treatment involves rest, avoiding bright light, and using lubricating eye drops; complete recovery usually occurs within a few days.

Snowblindness meaning with examples

• After spending the entire day skiing without sunglasses, the hiker was suffering from severe snowblindness. His eyes were bloodshot, and he could barely keep them open due to the excruciating pain. He stumbled back to the lodge, desperately seeking relief from the unrelenting glare. He knew he'd have to stay indoors for a day or two to allow his eyes to heal, cursing his forgetfulness.
• The polar explorers meticulously planned their expedition to avoid snowblindness. They equipped themselves with high-quality glacier glasses and ensured regular breaks from the intense sunlight. Despite their precautions, one member experienced the onset of symptoms. Quickly, they administered first aid to the affected team member and adjusted their route to stay in shadows as much as possible.
• The experienced mountaineer always carried protective eyewear to prevent snowblindness. During their ascent, the bright white of the snow was almost blinding. He paused frequently to wipe sweat from his brow and adjust his sunglasses. This caution proved essential, averting discomfort and safeguarding his vision throughout their challenging climb to the summit.
• The photographer, captivated by the winter landscape, forgot to shield their eyes from the intense glare and was afflicted by snowblindness. Their art project became a painful nightmare when the sunlight's rays burnt their corneas. With each blink, the individual felt intense pain. Days of recovery were ahead of the photographer before they could look through the lens again.
• The unprepared hikers, caught in an unexpected blizzard, soon felt the effects of snowblindness. The sharp pain of their eyes meant that they were unable to navigate through the blinding whiteness. They could only stumble toward the safety of the trees, their ordeal highlighting the importance of eye protection in such extreme conditions.