Eye Protection for
Glacier Traveling

Glacier Glasses versus Goggles

This can be a study in comparison, personal preferences and technology. It is all agreed, that something must be worn when traversing a glacier, or even just hanging out at elevation. Before we can discuss the comparison, let's review the reason for protection.
 

Why do we need protection?

The intensity of ultraviolet energy increases by a factor of 4% to 6% for every 1,000 foot increase in altitude above sea level. Snow reflects 85% of ultraviolet B (UVB). UVB, is the culprit light wavelength that causes snow blindness. The higher light intensity enters you eyes through the cornea AND affects the whites of your unprotected eyes.

The cornea absorbs ultraviolet radiation below 300 nanometers, which includes a fair portion of the UVB wavelengths. Radiation of wavelengths longer than 300 nanometers is transmitted to the lens and, over time, can cause cataracts.

High exposure to UVB can cause a corneal burn within one hour, although symptoms may not become apparent for 6 to 12 hours. Symptoms include excessive tearing, pain, redness, swollen eyelids, pain when looking at light, headache, a gritty sensation in the eyes, and decreased (hazy) vision. Similar symptoms occur when the surface of the eye is physically scratched (corneal abrasion). The first symptom is normally the feeling of having a foreign object in, or a scratch to your eye.

It is important to remember that cloudy or overcast days DO NOT reduce the snow blindness effects. You need to wear protection al all times.
 

Treatment

Treatment consists of patching the eye closed after instilling a few drops of ophthalmic antibiotic solution (such as sodium sulamyd 10%, or gentamicin), because the surface of the cornea will regenerate spontaneously in 24 to 48 hours. It is important to check the eye first for a foreign object. After patching, the eye must be rechecked in 24 hours. If the eye appears infected with pus, then it should be left un-patched. Administer a topical antibiotic solution three to four times a day, and have the person wear sunglasses. Pain medicine should be used as appropriate. If both eyes are involved, then only the more severely affected eye should be patched, so that the victim can continue to make his way.

Some people recommend topical steroid solution to hasten the resolution of snow blindness. In a situation in which the diagnosis is certain and such medication is available, instillation may indeed improve things. However, if a topical steroid is applied to a misdiagnosed bacterial or viral infection — particularly herpes virus — the effect can be to worsen the situation. Since snow blindness is self-limited, the application of a topical steroid is not imperative and best left to an ophthalmologist.
 

Whether we look into using Glacier Glasses or Goggles rated for Glacier travel, it is imperative we look for:

• 100% protection against UVA
• 100% protection against UVB
• 100% protection against UVC
• Average Light Transmission 5% - 20%
• Side Shields (Removable is preferred)

To suggest one style over another is quite often a personal preference, and quite argumentative. Glacier Glasses are preferred over Goggles for comfort and adaptability.

Now what does Comfort and Adaptability mean? Glacier Glasses offer removable side shields and nose guards. This is important as different conditions arise while on your climb. Furthermore, Goggles block, or reduce, the flow of air getting to the inside of the lens. The result is a higher probability of fogging. Glacier Glasses are quite porous allowing air to circulate between your eyes and the lens.
 

Most people using contacts find that there is almost no effect due to elevation. It is suggested that if you are a regular wearer of contacts, use them on the climb and obtain proper Glacier Glasses of protection.
 

Recommendations

I recommend the following Glacier Glasses for use on our expedition:

Low cost glacier glasses for use at elevation on snow or glaciers. Block 100% UV and reduces visible light by 88%.

 
Item 210-038-070

These are the glacier glasses that I use. My optometrist provided them complete with my prescription.

Available at Bucci