• Raleigh - 27616
  • Raleigh - 27612
  • Goldsboro - 27534
  • Greensboro - 27408
  • Greensboro - 27407
  • Winston-Salem - 27103

Crabtree Valley Mall, Raleigh

4325 Glenwood Ave.
Raleigh, NC 27612
Located next to Lenscrafters

Phone: 919-786-0141
Fax: 919-786-1137

Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Berkeley Mall, Goldsboro

611A N Berkley Blvd, Berkeley Mall
Goldsboro, NC 27534
Located next to Lenscrafters

Phone: (919) 778-9662

Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Friendly Shopping Center, Greensboro

642 Friendly Center Road
Greensboro, NC 27408
Located next to Lenscrafters

Phone: 336-292-7700
Fax: 336-292-8852

Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Four Seasons Town Center, Greensboro

330 Four Seasons Town Center
Greensboro, NC 27407
Located next to Lenscrafters

Phone: 336-854-1290
Fax: 336-854-4175

Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Hanes Mall, Winston-Salem

3320 Silas Creek Pkwy, Suite 300
Winston Salem, NC 27103
Located next to Lenscrafters

Phone: 336-760-2169
Fax: 336-760-2385

Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Photokeratitis and Winter

Photokeratitis and WinterWe take many precautions during the summer to protect our skin from being burnt, but have you ever thought about protecting your eyes? Many are surprised to learn that your eyes can also get sunburnt. Just as you protect your skin, your eyes need protection too, especially during the winter to prevent snow blindness, a form of photokeratitis. One of the most overlooked precautions during winter is eye care. Fresh snow and ice can reflect nearly 80% of the UV radiation from the sun.

What is Photokeratitis?

Photokeratitis refers to an inflammation of the cornea due to over-exposure of light. Essentially it is a sunburned eye or cornea.

It is caused by damage from ultraviolet or UV rays that can be caused by the sun or man-made sources. Winter isn’t the only time to worry about photokeratitis, as it can occur from UV rays reflecting off sand and water, too. Activities such as water sports can put you at risk in addition to man-made sources such as arc welding, tanning lamps, or tanning beds.

Snow blindness

Snow blindness is a form of photokeratitis, where the sun’s rays are reflected off ice or snow. At higher altitudes the air is thinner, making the strength of the sun’s rays even stronger and eye protection an even more important part of your winter sports gear. Activities such as snowboarding, skiing, snowmobiling, or hiking are commonly associated with this condition.

Symptoms

Like a sunburn, by the time you notice your symptoms, it is already too late for preventative measures. Symptoms include:

  • Burning in eyes
  • Eye pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Swollen eyes or eyelids
  • Headaches
  • Glare and halos
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Red eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Eyelid/eye twitching
  • Vision loss
  • Gritty feeling in eyes as if something is in them

The longer your eyes are exposed to UV rays, the more severe your symptoms may be.

Treatment

Photokeratitis and snow blindness typically go away on their own after a few days, so treatment is generally focused on providing comfort as your eyes recover.

  • Placing a cold washcloth over your eyes can help reduce swelling and irritation
  • Use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist, even if your eyes are watery
  • Take pain relievers to alleviate pain and discomfort
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes or irritating them
  • If you wear contacts, remove them until your eyes are healed as they may worsen your symptoms

If symptoms persist, please contact your eye doctor immediately.

Prevention is key. Anytime you are outside, you should protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that block UV-A and UV-B rays. These rays can penetrate clouds, so even when the weather is gloomy eyewear is important. Always wear snow goggles or sports goggles with UV protection when participating in outdoor sports. For more information on photokeratitis or snow blindness, please contact Fox Eye Care Group today.

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