The final stop of "Where Are We Going, Dad?" was at "China's Snow Village"—Shuangfeng Forest Farm in Mudanjiang City, Heilongjiang Province—known as the "Snow Town of China." With perennial snowfall and snow cover up to about 2 meters thick, the area has gained renewed popularity thanks to the show’s success. Skiing, sledding, building snowmen, and having snowball fights in this winter wonderland have become a major travel highlight this season. However, experts warn that when visiting snowy areas, people should not stay out in the snow for too long and should wear protective gear such as sunglasses and face masks to prevent "snow blindness."
Staring at snow is like staring at the sun
According to Dr. Zhang Rui, an ophthalmologist at Zhongda Hospital affiliated with Southeast University, "snow blindness," also known as photokeratitis, is an inflammation caused by ultraviolet rays reflected off the snow and absorbed by the eyes, damaging the cornea and conjunctival epithelium. Fresh white snow can reflect up to 95% of sunlight, making its brightness almost as intense as direct sunlight. Staring at snow is essentially the same as staring at the sun, which can be very harmful to the eyes.
On sunny days, staying in the snow for too long or going out without protective eyewear may lead to symptoms such as light sensitivity, tearing, stinging, and difficulty opening the eyes within 3–8 hours—this is snow blindness. Even on cloudy days, prolonged exposure to snow can cause snow blindness. Since the symptoms of snow blindness do not appear immediately, many patients often mistake it for general eye discomfort and do not realize they have "snow blindness."
Snow blindness sufferers may experience temporary blindness
Dr. Zhang Rui pointed out that snow blindness can cause decreased vision, and in severe cases, even temporary blindness. However, there’s no need to panic excessively—the damage caused by intense light usually begins to heal within 24 hours after seeking medical treatment, with full recovery typically taking 2–3 days. If the eye pain is not severe and there are no other obvious symptoms, simply resting the eyes can lead to self-recovery. Some parents worry that if their children get snow blindness while playing in the snow, it might affect their future vision. In response, Dr. Zhang explained that damage from intense light is reversible, and long-term effects are generally not a concern.
Currently, doctors can make a clear diagnosis based on typical symptoms and a history of UV exposure, and the treatment outcomes are relatively good with a favorable prognosis. However, repeated or prolonged UV exposure to the eyes may lead to chronic eye inflammation. Therefore, those planning a winter trip to enjoy ice and snow activities—especially high-altitude skiing or glacier exploration—should take proper protective measures to safeguard their eyes.
Protection: Wear protective eyewear
We often see mountaineers and skiers wearing protective glasses in competitions. Dr. Zhang Rui noted that protective eyewear not only shields the eyes from snow splashes but more importantly filters out intense light, significantly reducing eye irritation and damage. Sunglasses, windproof goggles, and face masks are all viable options, with protective eyewear especially recommended for skiing to prevent vision blurring and disorientation due to sudden snow blindness, which could lead to accidents. When playing in the snow, avoid staying out for extended periods and control your time wisely. If you feel eye discomfort, it’s best to stop and rest your eyes or change environments to avoid continued exposure to harsh light—you can also apply sterilized cotton pads over your eyes. Should snow blindness occur and your eyes feel very uncomfortable, seek medical attention promptly. Avoid rubbing your eyes or using eye drops on your own to prevent infection. — Qian Yuling