What is snowblindness?

Snowblindness, or photokeratitis, is a temporary eye condition caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light reflected off snow or ice. This condition results in painful symptoms such as redness, tearing, and a gritty sensation in the eyes, often resembling a sunburn on the cornea. It can occur even on cloudy days, as UV rays can penetrate through clouds. Protective eyewear, such as sunglasses with UV protection, is essential to prevent this condition when outdoors in snowy environments.