Ski season is opening in the Sierra, and many Southern California families are planning a holiday trip to the mountains. If you wear glasses or contacts, you already know the problems: goggles that fog over glasses, contacts that dry out in cold wind, and the fear of losing a lens on a chairlift.
Why glasses and contacts are hard on the slopes
- Glasses fog up under goggles, slip on falls and limit side vision at the edges of the frame.
- Prescription goggle inserts help, but they add cost and can still fog.
- Contact lenses dry out in cold, dry, windy air, and a lens that pops out on the hill is usually gone.
What vision correction can change
For the right candidate, LASIK, SMILE or SMILE Pro can mean clear vision under any goggle, with nothing to fog, fall out or clean in the lodge. SMILE and SMILE Pro use a small keyhole opening instead of a flap, which some athletes prefer for contact sports and falls. SMILE Pro is for patients 22 and older. Your surgeon will tell you how long to wait before skiing after surgery, and to wear goggles when you go back.
An honest note about dry eye
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) tells the story of four-time Iditarod champion Doug Swingley, who developed severe snow blindness in 2004 after briefly removing his goggles in extreme cold and wind. The AAO notes that a recent laser vision correction, which can make dry eye symptoms more likely, made his situation worse. That is a reason to screen for dry eye before surgery and to protect your eyes afterward, not a reason to skip the mountain.
Protecting every skier’s eyes
- The AAO recommends sunglasses or goggles that block 99% or more of UV and protect from dry, freezing wind.
- UV is stronger at altitude and reflects off snow, so wear protection even on cloudy days.
- Carry preservative-free artificial tears.
- If your eyes feel gritty, painful and light-sensitive hours after a bright day, rest in a dark room and see a doctor if it does not settle.
Families in the Conejo Valley can find more eye safety tips on this Thousand Oaks eye care blog.
Wondering if you are a candidate before your next trip? Start with a free VIP consult. Call our Westlake Village office at (805) 230-2126.
Many of my patients who ski tell me the best part is simple: they put on their goggles and just see.
Source: Snow Blindness (American Academy of Ophthalmology). This article is an educational summary written by Khanna Vision Institute and is not a substitute for medical advice.