Snow blindness
Snow blindness is a painful condition caused by exposure of unprotected eyes to sunlight reflected from snow. This is especially a problem at high altitude and polar regions.The problem is also related to the condition arc eye sometimes experienced by welders.
Here are some guidelines to use when choosing a good trekking/mountaineering pair of sunglasses:
- 99-100% UV absorption - Polycarbonate or CR-39 lens (lighter, more comfortable than glass) - 5-10% visible light transmittance - Large lenses that fit close to the face - Wraparound or side shielded to prevent incidental light exposure