The Impact of Skiing on the Visual System: Injuries, Dysfunctions and Ways of Prevention
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2025.80.58147Keywords
skking, eye complications, eye, dry eye syndrome, sport, sun exposure, sun protection factor, solar radiation, blind, corneal blindness, sunburn, damage, skin, extreme sports, extreme tourism, extreme weather events, corneal epithelium, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snow, fracture, bone fracture, Active Rehabilitation, prevention methods, visual field, visual impairment, sunblockers, retina, retinal diseases, spf, mechanical damage to the skinAbstract
Skiing, although it offers numerous health and emotional benefits, is associated with the risk of eye injuries. In high-altitude conditions, the eyes are exposed to intense UV radiation reflected by the snow, which can lead to snow blindness (photokeratitis). This condition manifests itself with severe pain, photophobia, and tearing, and its more serious consequences can include permanent corneal opacities. Additionally, extreme weather conditions, such as strong wind and low temperatures, favor drying of the eye surface and irritation of the conjunctiva.
Skiers are also exposed to mechanical injuries, such as abrasions, corneal perforations, or orbital fractures, resulting from collisions and falls. In treatment, rapid diagnosis and appropriate medical interventions, including surgery, are crucial. Prevention plays an important role – the use of ski goggles with UV filters, wind protection and education about the risks significantly reduce the risk of eye damage. The work emphasizes the need for further research on improving protective technology and educating skiers to minimize the risk of eye injuries in winter sports.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Dominik Rabstein, Piotr Gosciniewicz, Adam Kabiesz, Radosław Szydłowski, Agnieszka Porwolik, Magdalena Bodera, Hanna Porwolik, Agata Porwolik
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