Sun in the Snow

Sun in the Snow

You've felt the harsh brightness of the sun reflecting off the snow lately, right? Snow reflects nearly 80 percent of the sun’s rays. That means more harmful ultraviolet rays are directed into your eyes than even on a sunny day in the summer.

Hours of bright sunlight can burn the surface of the eye, causing a temporary but painful condition known as photokeratitis. Over time, unprotected exposure can contribute to cataracts, as well as cancer of the eyelids and the skin around the eyes. UV exposure also may increase the risk of macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people over age 65. While cataracts can be removed surgically, there is no way to reverse damage to the macula, the area in the center of the retina.

To protect your eyes, it is important to wear sunglasses that block out harmful UV light. Grab your summer shades out of the drawer next time you break out the shovel - your eyes will thank you! ‪#‎WarrenPA‬‪#‎WinterinWarren‬