Winter Warnings:
Hidden Risk for Skiers and Snowboarders

Many of us know to wear sunscreen and sunglasses in the summertime, but forget about caution in the winter months. What you may not realize is that sun reflecting off the snow can be harsh, and that exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of developing tumors in the eye, cataracts and macular degeneration.

A recent study published by Archives of Dermatology took multiple readings of the ultraviolet radiation at multiple North American ski areas, and interviewed thousands of skiers and snowboarders to find out whether they took precautions against the sun (hats, sunscreen, googles). They found that most did only occasionally. Exposure to UV radiation can be high even on cloudy days. It increases with higher elevations.

Excessive exposure to UV light reflected off the snow can damage the lids and eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that people be especially careful to protect their eyes in the winter months and wear goggles or sunglasses with UV protection.

Dilated eye exams are an important part of health maintenance for all of us, and especially for those who have regular sun exposure such as skiers, snowboarders, gardeners and boaters.

Call 802-388-EYES or your eye provider for your dilated exam if you haven't had one in the last one to two years.